Liquid-crystalline medium and high-frequency components comprising same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline media comprising
         one or more pleochroic dyes and   one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formulae I, II and III,       

                         
in which the parameters have the meaning indicated in Claim  1 , and to components comprising these media for high-frequency technology, in particular phase shifters and microwave array antennas.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to liquid-crystalline media and to high-frequency components comprising same, especially microwave components for high-frequency devices, such as devices for shifting the phase of microwaves, in particular for microwave phased-array antennas.

PRIOR ART AND PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

Liquid-crystalline media have a been used for some time in electro-optical displays (liquid crystal displays: LCDs) in order to display information.

Recently, however, liquid-crystalline media have also been proposed for use in components for microwave technology, such as, for example, in DE 10 2004 029 429 A and in JP 2005-120208 (A).

As a typical microwave application, the concept of the inverted microstrip line as described by K. C. Gupta, R. Garg, I. Bahl and P. Bhartia: Microstrip Lines and Slotlines, 2^(nd) ed., Artech House, Boston, 1996, is employed, for example, in D. Dolfi, M. Labeyrie, P. Joffre and J. P. Huignard: Liquid Crystal Microwave Phase Shifter. Electronics Letters, Vol. 29, No. 10, pp. 926-928, May 1993, N. Martin, N. Tentillier, P. Laurent, B. Splingart, F. Huert, P H. Gelin, C. Legrand: Electrically Microwave Tunable Components Using Liquid Crystals. 32^(nd) European Microwave Conference, pp. 393-396, Milan 2002, or in Weil, C.: Passiv steuerbare Mikrowellenphasenschieber auf der Basis nichtlinearer Dielektrika [Passively Controllable Microwave Phase Shifters based on Nonlinear Dielectrics], Darmstädter Dissertationen D17, 2002, C. Weil, G. Lüssem, and R. Jakoby: Tunable Invert-Microstrip Phase Shifter Device Using Nematic Liquid Crystals, IEEE MTT-S Int. Microw. Symp., Seattle, Wash., June 2002, pp. 367-370, together with the commercial liquid crystal K15 from Merck KGaA. C. Weil, G. Lissem, and R. Jakoby: Tunable Invert-Microstrip Phase Shifter Device Using Nematic Liquid Crystals, IEEE MTT-S Int. Microw. Symp., Seattle, Wash., June 2002, pp. 367-370, achieve phase shifter qualities of 12°/dB at 10 GHz with a control voltage of about 40 V therewith. The insertion losses of the LC, i.e. the losses caused only by the polarisation losses in the liquid crystal, are given as approximately 1 to 2 dB at 10 GHz in Weil, C.: Passiv steuerbare Mikrowellenphasenschieber auf der Basis nichtlinearer Dielektrika [Passively Controllable Microwave Phase Shifters based on Nonlinear Dielectrics], Darmstädter Dissertationen D17, 2002. In addition, it has been determined that the phase shifter losses are determined primarily by the dielectric LC losses and the losses at the waveguide junctions. T. Kuki, H. Fujikake, H. Kamoda and T. Nomoto: Microwave Variable Delay Line Using a Membrane Impregnated with Liquid Crystal. IEEE MTT-S Int. Microwave Symp. Dig. 2002, pp. 363-366, June 2002, and T. Kuki, H. Fujikake, T. Nomoto: Microwave Variable Delay Line Using Dual-Frequency Switching-Mode Liquid Crystal. IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech., Vol. 50, No. 11, pp. 2604-2609, November 2002, also address the use of polymerized LC films and dual-frequency switching-mode liquid crystals in combination with planar phase shifter arrangements.

A. Penirschke, S. MUller, P. Scheele, C. Weil, M. Wittek, C. Hock and R. Jakoby: “Cavity Perturbation Method for Characterization of Liquid Crystals up to 35 GHz”, 34^(th) European Microwave Conference—Amsterdam, pp. 545-548 describe, inter alia, the properties of the known single liquid-crystalline substance K15 (Merck KGaA, Germany) at a frequency of 9 GHz.

A. Gaebler, F. Goelden, S. Müller, A. Penirschke and R. Jakoby “Direct Simulation of Material Permittivites using an Eigen-Susceptibility Formulation of the Vector Variational Approach”, 12MTC 2009—International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, Singapore, 2009 (IEEE), pp. 463-467, describe the corresponding properties of the known liquid-crystal mixture E7 (likewise Merck KGaA, Germany).

DE 10 2004 029 429 A describes the use of liquid-crystal media in microwave technology, inter alia in phase shifters. It has already investigated liquid-crystalline media with respect to their properties in the corresponding frequency range. In addition, it describes liquid-crystalline media which comprise compounds of the formulae

besides compounds of the formulae

or besides compounds of the formulae

Further liquid crystalline media for microwave applications comprising one or more these compounds, as well as similar ones, are proposed by for microwave applications in DE 10 2010 025 572 A and WO 2013/034227.

Doping of liquid crystalline media by dichroic dyes, has already been proposed for several types of display applications and for various reasons. However, there has been no respective suggestion for the type of applications envisaged by the instant application.

E.g. “Influence of dye molecules on the birefringence of liquid crystal mixtures at near infrared frequencies”, Simpson, S. H., Richardson, R. M., and Hanna, S., Journal of Chemical Physics, (2007), Vol. 127, Issue (10) pp. 104901-104901-14 propose to use a dye in a guest-host system to shift the absorption edge closer to the near infrared region in order to increase the (effective) birefringence of the liquid crystals.

“Liquid crystal dyes with high solubility and large dielectric anisotropy”, Wu, Shin-Tson, Margerum, J. David, Ho, Mei-Sing, and Fung, Bing M., Appl. Phys. Lett. (1994), 64 (17) pp. 2191-2193 discloses azo dyes of the general formula

with n ranging from 4 to 14, especially n being 4, 5 and 6, respectively, describes their behaviour in the near infrared range and proposes amongst other uses, to use them as “dopants” (used as synonym for additives) “for nonpolar, high birefringent LCs for IR and millimeter wave modulators”.

Polymer stabilization of liquid crystalline media, as well as doping by chiral dopants, has already been proposed for several types of display applications and for various reasons. However, there has been no respective suggestion for the type of applications envisaged by the instant application.

The known devices for the high frequency-technology comprising these media do still lack sufficient stability and, in particular, fast response.

However, these compositions are afflicted with serious disadvantages. Most of them result, besides other deficiencies, in disadvantageously high losses and/or inadequate phase shifts or inadequate material quality.

For these applications, liquid-crystalline media having particular, hitherto rather unusual and uncommon properties or combinations of properties are required.

Novel liquid-crystalline media having improved properties are thus necessary. In particular, the dielectric loss in the microwave region must be reduced and the material quality (η, sometimes also called figure of merit, short FoM), i.e. a high tunability and, at the same time, a low dielectric loss, must be improved. Besides these requirements increased focus has to be placed on improved response times for several envisaged applications especially for those devices using planar structures such as e.g. phase shifters and leaky antennas.

In addition, there is a steady demand for an improvement in the lowtemperature behaviour of the components. Both an improvement in the operating properties at low temperatures and also in the shelf life are necessary here.

There is therefore a considerable demand for liquid-crystalline media having suitable properties for corresponding practical applications.

The invention additionally has the aim of providing improved methods and materials, to achieve polymer stabilized mesogenic phases, in particular nematic phases, which do not have the above-mentioned disadvantages of methods and materials described in prior art. These mesogenic phases comprise a polymer and a low molecular weight mesogenic material. Consequently, they are also called “composite systems”, or short “systems”.

Another aim of the invention is to extend the pool of suitable materials available to the expert. Other aims are immediately evident to the expert from the following description.

Surprisingly, it has now been found that by using a pleochroic additive also sometimes called a dichroic dye, respectively of one, two or more pleochroic additives, the response times and especially the “switching off times” (abbrev. τ_(off)) of the media in the devices can be significantly reduced compared to the state of the art. Such pleochroic additives exhibit electromagnetic absorption spectra, which are different dependent on the orientation of the propagation of the light relative to the average direction long molecular axis of the in the mesogenic hosts. The latter direction is called the director. Especially in case these additives show an absorption in the visible spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation or in the adjacent UV or near IS regions, they are typically called pleochroic dyes. Preferably the pleochroic dyes present in the media according to the instant application preferably are dichroic dyes. I.e. they are exhibiting a different spectrum for two different directions of the orientation of their director relative to the light propagation, i.e. parallel and perpendicular to it. The ratio of their respective absorption values is called the dielectric ratio. This is dependent on the order parameter of the mesogenic host and of the relative degree of the orientation of the respective additives in the host. Thus, preferably compounds with an elongated structure, similar to a mesogenic core, and/or mesogenic groups and/or typical end groups present in liquid crystalline compounds are used according to the present application.

A further advantage of the use of pleochroic dyes becomes obvious especially in case one or more a fluorescent dyes are used. Either all or most dyes used may be fluorescent dyes or only one or two of them. As the liquid crystalline media are employed in cavities for most applications in the microwave regime there exists a possibility of an undesired leakage of the material. Such an incident may be conveniently detected by the color of the dye present in the material. In this case a fluorescent dye, however, has the advantage of being particularly easily detectable under special illumination, in particular with UV irradiation. But also non-fluorescent dyes may be beneficially used in some cases. The latter may well be detected even by the unassisted human eye.

Particularly preferred the media according to the present invention additionally comprise one or more chiral dopants. Preferably these chiral dopants have an absolute value of the helical twisting power (short HTP) in the range of 1 μm⁻¹ or more to 150 μm⁻¹ or less, preferably in the range from 10 μm⁻¹ or more to 100 μm⁻¹ or less. In case the media comprise at least two, i.e. two or more, chiral dopants, these may have mutually opposite signs of their HTP-values. This condition is preferred for some specific embodiments, as it allows to compensate the chirality of the respective compounds to some degree and, thus, may be used to compensate various temperature dependent properties of the resulting media in the devices. Generally, however, it is preferred that most, or, even more preferred, all of the chiral compounds present in the media according to the present invention have the same sign of their HTP-values.

It has to be noted here that, as a first approximation, the HTP of a mixture of chiral compounds, i.e. of conventional chiral dopants, as well as of chiral reactive mesogens, may be approximated by the addition of their individual HTP values weighted by their respective concentrations in the medium.

In this embodiment, the cholesteric pitch of the modulation medium in the cholesteric phase, also referred to as the chiral nematic phase, can be reproduced to a first approximation by equation (1). P=(HTP·c)⁻¹  (1)

-   -   wherein P denotes the cholesteric pitch,         -   c denotes the concentration of the chiral component (A) and         -   HTP (helical twisting power) is a constant which             characterises the twisting power of the chiral substance and             depends on the chiral substance (component (A)) and on the             achiral component (B).

If the pitch is to be determined more accurately, equation (1) can be correspondingly modified. To this end, the development of the cholesteric pitch in the form of a polynomial (2) is usually used. P=(HTP·c)⁻¹+(α₁ ·c)⁻²+(α₂ ·c)⁻³+ . . .   (2)

-   -   wherein the parameters are as defined above for equation (1) and         -   α₁ and α₂ denote constants which depend on the chiral             component (A) and on the achiral component (B).

The polynomial can be continued up to the degree, which enables the desired accuracy.

Typically the parameters of the polynomial (HTP (sometimes also called α₁), α₂, α₃ and so forth) do depend more strongly on the type of the chiral dopant, and, to some degree, also on the specific liquid crystal mixture used.

Obviously, they do also depend on the enantiomeric excess of the respective chiral dopant. They have their respective largest absolute values for the pure enantiomers and are zero for racemates. In this application the values given are those for the pure enantiomers, having an enantiomeric excess of 98% or more, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

If the chiral component (A) consists of two or more compounds, equation (1) is modified to give equation (3). P=[Σ_(i)(HTP(i)·c _(i))]⁻¹  (3)

wherein P denotes the cholesteric pitch,

-   -   c_(i) denotes the concentration of the i-th compound of the         chiral component (A) and     -   HTP(i) denotes the HTP of the i-th compound of the chiral         component (A) in the achiral component (B).

The temperature dependence of the HTP is usually represented in a polynomial development (4), which, however, for practical purposes often can be terminated already right after the linear element (13). HTP(T)=HTP(T ₀)+β₁·(T−T ₀)+β₂·(T−T ₀)²+ . . .   (4)

-   -   wherein the parameters are as defined above for equation (1) and         -   T denotes the temperature,         -   T₀ denotes the reference temperature,         -   HTP(T) denotes the HTP at temperature T,         -   HTP(T₀) denotes the HTP at temperature T₀ and         -   β₁ and β₂ denote constants which depend on the chiral             component (A) and on the achiral component (B).

Additionally, it has been found that by using an RM, a stabilized liquid crystalline phase which has a broad temperature range and a improved, faster switching times, good tunability and acceptable loss can be achieved.

Additionally to mesogenic monomers the use of non-mesogenic monomers, such as 2-ethylhexylacrylate, is also possible and in certain instances may be beneficial. It, however, also may be problematic due to the volatile nature of such compounds, leading to problems of loss due to evaporation and inhomogeneity of the mixed monomer/host system.

Also, the use of non-mesogenic compounds can severely lower the clearing point of the liquid crystalline host, leading to a much smaller width of polymer stabilized blue phase, which is not desirable for most practical applications.

Using RMs having a cyclohexylene core instead of a core comprising one or more 1,4-phenylenes has an advantage for the stability against UV irradiation in general and in particular against the UV irradiation used in the polymerization process. The resultant polymer stabilized phase (composite system) therefore has a high voltage holding ratio (VHR).

Also, it has been found that by using cyclohexylene RMs in combination with a liquid crystalline host comprising fluorophenyl liquid crystalline compounds, the RMs do effectively stabilize this host to give a high VHR, which is necessary for advanced state-of-the-art devices.

PRESENT INVENTION

Surprisingly, it has now been found that it is possible to achieve liquid-crystalline media having a suitably fast switching times, a suitable, nematic phase range and loss which do not have the disadvantages of the prior-art materials, or at least only do so to a considerably reduced extent.

These improved liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present invention comprise

-   -   one or more pleochroic additives,     -   one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of         formulae I, II and III

wherein

-   L¹¹ denotes R¹¹ or X¹¹, -   L¹² denotes R¹² or X¹², -   R¹¹ and R¹², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, preferably having 3 to     10, C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   X¹¹ and X¹², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN,     —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C     atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated or fluorinated     alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7     C atoms,     -   preferably fluorinated alkoxy, fluorinated alkenyloxy, F or Cl,         and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

in which

-   L²¹ denotes R²¹ and, in the case where Z²¹ and/or Z²² denote     trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, alternatively denotes X²¹, -   L²² denotes R²² and, in the case where Z²¹ and/or Z²² denote     trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, alternatively denotes X²², -   R²¹ and R²², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, preferably having 3 to     10, C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   X²¹ and X²², independently of one another, denote F or Cl, —CN,     —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or     fluorinated alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C     atoms, or —NCS, preferably —NCS, -   one of -   Z²¹ and Z²² denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the     other, independently thereof, denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or     a single bond, preferably one of them denotes —C≡C— or trans-CH═CH—     and the other denotes a single bond, and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

in which

-   L³¹ denotes R³¹ or X³¹, -   L³² denotes R³² or X³², -   R³¹ and R³², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, preferably having 3 to     10, C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or     unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C     atoms, preferably alkyl or unfluorinated alkenyl, -   X³¹ and X³², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN,     —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C     atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated or fluorinated     alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7     C atoms,     -   preferably fluorinated alkoxy, fluorinated alkenyloxy, F or Cl,         and -   Z³¹ to Z³³, independently of one another, denote trans-CH═CH—,     trans-CF═CF—, —C≡C— or a single bond, preferably one or more of them     denotes a single bond, particularly preferably all denote a single     bond, and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

-   -   optionally one or more chiral compounds,

and

-   -   optionally one or more compounds of formula P         P^(a)—(Sp^(a))_(s1)-(A¹-Z¹)_(n1)-A²-Q-A³-(Z⁴-A⁴)_(n2)-(Sp^(b))_(s2)-P^(b)  P

wherein the individual radicals have the following meanings:

-   P^(a), P^(b) each, independently of one another, are a polymerizable     group, -   Sp^(a), Sp^(b) each, independently of one another, denote a spacer     group, -   s1, s2 each, independently of one another, denote 0 or 1, -   n1, n2 each, independently of one another, denote 0 or 1, preferably     0, -   Q denotes a single bond, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —(CO)O—,     —O(CO)—, —(CH₂)₄—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂—CF₂—, —CF₂—CH₂—, —CH₂—CF₂—,     —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF═CH—, —(CH₂)₃O—, —O(CH₂)₃—, —CH═CF—, —C≡C—,     —O—, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₃—, —CF₂—, preferably —CF₂O—, -   Z¹, Z⁴ denote a single bond, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—,     —(CO)O—, —O(CO)—, —(CH₂)₄—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CF₂—CF₂—, —CF₂—CH₂—,     —CH₂—CF₂—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF═CH—, —(CH₂)₃O—, —O(CH₂)₃—, —CH═CF—,     —C≡C—, —O—, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₃—, —CF₂—, where Z¹ and Q or Z⁴ and Q do     not simultaneously denote a group selected from —CF₂O— and —OCF₂—, -   A¹, A², A³, A⁴     -   each, independently of one another, denote a diradical group         selected from the following groups:     -   a) the group consisting of trans-1,4-cyclohexylene,         1,4-cyclohexenylene and 1,4′-bicyclohexylene, in which, in         addition, one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may be replaced by         —O— and/or —S— and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms         may be replaced by F,     -   b) the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene and 1,3-phenylene, in         which, in addition, one or two CH groups may be replaced by N         and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced         by L,     -   c) the group consisting of tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl,         1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, tetrahydrofuran-2,5-diyl,         cyclobutane-1,3-diyl, piperidine-1,4-diyl, thiophene-2,5-diyl         and selenophene-2,5-diyl, each of which may also be mono- or         polysubstituted by L,     -   d) the group consisting of saturated, partially unsaturated or         fully unsaturated, and optionally substituted, polycyclic         radicals having 5 to 20 cyclic C atoms, one or more of which         may, in addition, be replaced by heteroatoms, preferably         selected from the group consisting of         bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-diyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diyl,         spiro[3.3]heptane-2,6-diyl,

-   -   -   where, in addition, one or more H atoms in these radicals             may be replaced by L, and/or one or more double bonds may be             replaced by single bonds, and/or one or more CH groups may             be replaced by N,

    -   and A³, alternatively may be a single bond,

-   L on each occurrence, identically or differently, denotes F, Cl, CN,     SCN, SF₅ or straight-chain or branched, in each case optionally     fluorinated, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl,     alkylcarbonyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1 to 12 C atoms,

-   R⁰³, R⁰⁴ each, independently of one another, denote H, F or     straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which,     in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F,

-   M denotes —O—, —S—, —CH₂—, —CHY¹— or —CY¹Y²—, and

-   Y¹ and Y² each, independently of one another, have one of the     meanings indicated above for R⁰, or denote Cl or CN, and one of the     groups Y¹ and Y² alternatively denotes —OCF₃, preferably H, F, Cl,     CN or CF₃,

as well as to a polymer stabilized system obtainable by polymerization of one or more compounds of the formula P alone or in combination with one or more further polymerizable compounds from a respective mixture, and to the use of such a stabilized system in components or devices for high frequency technology.

The pleochroic additives preferably used according to the present application are preferably dichroic dyes. They preferably exhibit a large dichroic ratio. That means that their spectral properties significantly differ for observation along the director and perpendicular to it.

The concentration of the dichroic dye, respectively the total concentration of the dichroic dyes in the LC medium are preferably in the range from 0.1% or more to 15% or less, more preferably from 0.5% or more to 10% or less, and, most preferably from 1.0% or more to 8% or less.

These preferred concentration ranges apply in particular to the dichroic dyes of the examples preferred dyes are selected from the group of azo dyes and of thiadiazol dyes.

The azo dyes used according to the present application preferably comprise one or two diazo groups linked to aromatic rings. They are preferably selected from the group of formulae A and D, preferably of formula A

wherein

-   X^(A) is a polar group, preferably selected from F, Cl, CN, CF₃,     OCF₃, SF₅ or SF₄CF₃, more preferably Cl, CF₃, SF₅, or SF₄CF₃ and,     most preferably, Cl or CF₃, -   L^(A), L′^(A) and L″^(A) are independently of each other H, F, CL or     CN, preferably H, F or Cl and, most preferably H or F, -   R^(A) and R′^(A) are independently of each other alkyl having 1 to     6, preferably 1 to 3 C atoms, and, most preferably 1 C atom, or     alkenyl, having 2 to 6, preferably 2 or 3 C atoms, and -   R^(D) and R′^(D) are independently of each other alkyl having 1 to     6, preferably 2 to 5 C atoms, and, most preferably 4 or 5 C atoms,     or alkenyl, having 2 to 6, preferably 3, 4 or 5 C atoms.

The thiadiazol dyes preferably used according to the present application are preferably dibenzothiadiazoles, preferably selected from formula T

wherein

-   R and R′X^(A) are independently of each other alkoxy having 1 to 6,     preferably 2 to 5 C atoms, and, most preferably 4 or 5 C atoms, and -   L′ and L″ are independently of each other H, F or Cl, preferably F.

A chiral component consisting of chiral compounds may additionally be present in the mesogenic media according to the present application. The chiral compounds of this chiral component used, if present, preferably have a high absolute value of the HTP. They are also referred to as chiral dopants since they are generally added in relatively low concentrations to mesogenic base mixtures. They preferably have good solubility in the achiral component. They do not impair the mesogenic or liquid-crystalline properties of the mesogenic medium, or only do so to a small extent, so long as the cholesteric pitch has small values which are much smaller than the wavelength of the light. If the cholesteric pitch is in the order of the wavelength of the light, however, they induce a blue phase having a completely different structure to that of the cholesteric phase. If two or more chiral compounds are employed, they may have the same or opposite direction of rotation and the same or opposite temperature dependence of the twist.

Particular preference is given to chiral compounds having an HTP of 20 m⁻¹ or more, in particular of 40 μm⁻¹ or more, particularly preferably of 70 μm⁻¹ or more, in the commercial liquid-crystal mixture MLC-6828 from Merck KGaA.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the chiral component consists of two or more chiral compounds which all have the same sign of the HTP.

The temperature dependence of the HTP of the individual compounds may be high or low. The temperature dependence of the pitch of the medium can be compensated by mixing compounds having different temperature dependence of the HTP in corresponding ratios.

For the optically active component, a multiplicity of chiral dopants, some of which are commercially available, is available to the person skilled in the art, such as, for example, cholesteryl nonanoate, R/S-811, R/S-1011, R/S2011, R/S-3011, R/S-4011, B(OC)2C*H—C-3 or CB15 (all Merck KGaA, Darmstadt).

Particularly suitable chiral dopants are compounds which contain one or more chiral radicals and one or more mesogenic groups, or one or more aromatic or alicyclic groups which form a mesogenic group with the chiral radical.

Suitable chiral radicals are, for example, chiral branched hydrocarbon radicals, chiral ethanediols, binaphthols or dioxolanes, furthermore monoor polyvalent chiral radicals selected from the group consisting of sugar derivatives, sugar alcohols, sugar acids, lactic acids, chiral substituted glycols, steroid derivatives, terpene derivatives, amino acids or sequences of a few, preferably 1-5, amino acids.

Preferred chiral radicals are sugar derivatives, such as glucose, mannose, galactose, fructose, arabinose and dextrose; sugar alcohols, such as, for example, sorbitol, mannitol, iditol, galactitol or anhydro derivatives thereof, in particular dianhydrohexitols, such as dianhydrosorbide (1,4:3,6-dianhydro-D-sorbide, isosorbide), dianhydromannitol (isosorbitol) or dianhydroiditol (isoiditol); sugar acids, such as, for example, gluconic acid, gulonic acid and ketogulonic acid; chiral substituted glycol radicals, such as, for example, mono- or oligoethylene or propylene glycols, wherein one or more CH₂ groups are substituted by alkyl or alkoxy; amino acids, such as, for example, alanine, valine, phenylglycine or phenylalanine, or sequences of from 1 to 5 of these amino acids; steroid derivatives, such as, for example, cholesteryl or cholic acid radicals; terpene derivatives, such as, for example, menthyl, neomenthyl, campheyl, pineyl, terpineyl, isolongifolyl, fenchyl, carreyl, myrthenyl, nopyl, geraniyl, linaloyl, neryl, citronellyl or dihydrocitronellyl.

Suitable chiral radicals and mesogenic chiral compounds are described, for example, in DE 34 25 503, DE 35 34 777, DE 35 34 778, DE 35 34 779 and DE 35 34 780, DE 43 42 280, EP 01 038 941 and DE 195 41 820.

Chiral compounds preferably used according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of the formulae shown below.

Particular preference is given to dopants selected from the group consisting of compounds of the following formulae A-I to A-III:

in which

-   R^(a11) and R^(a12), independently of one another, are alkyl,     oxaalkyl or alkenyl having from 2 to 9, preferably up to 7, carbon     atoms, and R^(a11) is alternatively methyl or alkoxy having from 1     to 9 carbon atoms, preferably both are alkyl, preferably n-alkyl, -   R^(a21) and R^(a22), independently of one another, are alkyl or     alkoxy having from 1 to 9, preferably up to 7, carbon atoms,     oxaalkyl, alkenyl or alkenyloxy having from 2 to 9, preferably up to     7, carbon atoms, preferably both are alkyl, preferably n-alkyl, -   R^(a31) and R^(a32), independently of one another, are alkyl,     oxaalkyl or alkenyl having from 2 to 9, preferably up to 7, carbon     atoms, and R^(a11) is alternatively methyl or alkoxy having from 1     to 9 carbon atoms, preferably both are alkyl, preferably n-alkyl.

Particular preference is given to dopants selected from the group consisting of the compounds of the following formulae:

Further preferred dopants are derivatives of the isosorbide, isomannitol or isoiditol of the following formula A-IV:

wherein the group

preferably dianhydrosorbitol,

and chiral ethanediols, such as, for example, diphenylethanediol (hydrobenzoin), in particular mesogenic hydrobenzoin derivatives of the following formula A-V:

including the (R,S), (S,R), (R,R) and (S,S) enantiomers, which are not shown,

wherein

-   -   are each, independently of one another, 1,4-phenylene, which may         also be mono-, di- or trisubstituted by L, or 1,4-cyclohexylene,

-   L is H, F, Cl, CN or optionally halogenated alkyl, alkoxy,     alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1-7 carbon     atoms,

-   c is 0 or 1,

-   Z⁰ is —COO—, —OCO—, —CH₂CH₂— or a single bond, and

-   R⁰ is alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or     alkylcarbonyloxy having 1-12 carbon atoms.

The compounds of the formula A-IV are described in WO 98/00428. The compounds of the formula A-V are described in GB-A-2,328,207.

Very particularly preferred dopants are chiral binaphthyl derivatives, as described in WO 02/94805, chiral binaphthol acetal derivatives, as described in WO 02/34739, chiral TADDOL derivatives, as described in WO 02/06265, and chiral dopants having at least one fluorinated bridging group and a terminal or central chiral group, as described in WO 02/06196 and WO 02/06195.

Particular preference is given to chiral compounds of the formula A-VI

wherein

-   X¹, X², Y¹ and Y² are each, independently of one another, F, Cl, Br,     I, CN, SCN, SF₅, straight-chain or branched alkyl having from 1 to     25 carbon atoms, which may be monosubstituted or polysubstituted by     F, Cl, Br, I or CN and in which, in addition, one or more     non-adjacent CH₂ groups may each, independently of one another, be     replaced by —O—, —S—, —NH—, NR⁰—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —OCOO—,     —S—CO—, —CO—S—, —CH═CH— or —C≡C— in such a way that O and/or S atoms     are not bonded directly to one another, a polymerizable group or     cycloalkyl or aryl having up to 20 carbon atoms, which may     optionally be monosubstituted or polysubstituted by halogen,     preferably F, or by a polymerizable group, -   x¹ and x² are each, independently of one another, 0, 1 or 2, -   y¹ and y² are each, independently of one another, 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, -   B¹ and B² are each, independently of one another, an aromatic or     partially or fully saturated aliphatic six-membered ring in which     one or more CH groups may be replaced by N atoms and one or more     non-adjacent CH₂ groups may be replaced by O and/or S, -   W¹ and W² are each, independently of one another,     —Z¹-A¹-(Z²-A²)_(m)-R, and one of the two is alternatively R¹ or A³,     but both are not simultaneously H, or

-   U¹ and U² are each, independently of one another, CH₂, O, S, CO or     CS, -   V¹ and V² are each, independently of one another, (CH₂)_(n), in     which from one to four non-adjacent CH₂ groups may be replaced by O     and/or S, and one of V¹ and V² and, in the case where

both are a single bond,

-   Z¹ and Z² are each, independently of one another, —O—, —S—, —CO—,     —COO—, —OCO—, —O—COO—, —CO—NR⁰—, —NR⁰—CO—, —O—CH₂—, —CH₂—O—,     —S—CH₂—, —CH₂—S—, —CF₂—O—, —O—CF₂—, —CF₂—S—, —S—CF₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—,     —CF₂—CH₂—, —CH₂—CF₂—, —CF₂—CF₂—, —CH═N—, —N═CH—, —N═N—, —CH═CH—,     —CF═CH—, —CH═CF—, —CF═CF—, —C≡C—, a combination of two of these     groups, where no two O and/or S and/or N atoms are bonded directly     to one another, preferably —CH═CH—COO—, or —COO—CH═CH—, or a single     bond, -   A¹, A² and A³ are each, independently of one another, 1,4-phenylene,     in which one or two non-adjacent CH groups may be replaced by N,     1,4-cyclohexylene, in which one or two non-adjacent CH₂ groups may     be replaced by O and/or S, 1,3-dioxolane-4,5-diyl,     1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octylene,     piperidine-1,4-diyl, naphthalene-2,6-diyl,     decahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl or     1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl, where each of these groups     may be monosubstituted or polysubstituted by L, and in addition A¹     is a single bond, -   L is a halogen atom, preferably F, CN, NO₂, alkyl, alkoxy,     alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1-7 carbon     atoms, in which one or more H atoms may be replaced by F or Cl, -   m is in each case, independently, 0, 1, 2 or 3, and -   R and R¹ are each, independently of one another, H, F, Cl, Br, I,     CN, SCN, SF₅, straight-chain or branched alkyl having from 1 or 3 to     25 carbon atoms respectively, which may optionally be     monosubstituted or polysubstituted by F, Cl, Br, I or CN, and in     which one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may be replaced by —O—,     —S—, —NH—, —NR⁰—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —O—COO—, —S—CO—, —CO—S—,     —CH═CH— or —C≡C—, where no two O and/or S atoms are bonded directly     to one another, or a polymerizable group.

Particular preference is given to chiral binaphthyl derivatives of the formula A-VI-1

in particular those selected from the following formulae A-VI-1a to A-VI-1c:

in which ring B and Z⁰ are as defined for the formula A-IV, and

-   R⁰ as defined for formula A-iV or H or alkyl having from 1 to 4     carbon atoms, and -   b is 0, 1 or 2, -   and Z⁰ is, in particular, —OCO— or a single bond.

Particular p reference is furthermore given to chiral binaphthyl derivatives of the formula A-VI-2

in particular those selected from the following formulae A-VI-2a to A-VI-2f:

wherein R⁰ is as defined for the formula A-VI, and X is H, F, Cl, CN or R⁰ preferably F.

The concentration of the chiral dopant, respectively the total concentration of the chiral dopants in the LC medium are preferably in the range from 0.05% or more to 5% or less, more preferably from 0.1% or more to 1% or less, and, most preferably from 0.2% or more to 0.8% or less. These preferred concentration ranges apply in particular to the chiral dopant S2011, respectively to its enantiomeric form R-2011 (both from Merck KGaA) and for chiral dopants have in the same or a similar HTP. For Chiral dopants having either a higher or a lower absolute value of the HTP compared to S-2011 these preferred concentrations have to be decreased, respectively increased proportionally according to the ratio of their HTP values relatively to that of S-2011.

Polymerizable compounds of formula P preferably used according to the present invention are selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

wherein L in each occurrence, identically or differently, has one of the meanings indicated above and below, r denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, s denotes 0, 1, 2 or 3, and n denotes an integer between 1 and 24, preferably between 1 and 12, very particularly preferably between 2 and 8, and in which, if a radical is not indicated at the end of a single or double bond, it is a terminal CH₃ or CH₂ group.

In the formulae P1 to P24,

preferably denotes a group selected from the group consisting of the following formulae:

particularly preferably selected from

The group A²-Q-A³ preferably denotes a group of the formula

in which at least one of the rings is substituted by at least one group L=F. r here is in each case, independently, preferably 0, 1 or 2.

P^(a) and P^(b) in the compounds of the formula P and the sub-formulae thereof preferably denote acrylate or methacrylate, furthermore fluoroacrylate. Sp^(a) and Sp^(b) in the compounds of the formula I and the sub-formulae thereof preferably denote a radical selected from the group consisting of —(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO— and —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O— and mirror images thereof, in which p1 denotes an integer from 1 to 12, preferably from 1 to 6, particularly preferably 1, 2 or 3, where these groups are linked to P^(a) or P^(b) in such a way that O atoms are not directly adjacent.

Of the compounds of the formula P, particular preference is given to those in which

-   -   the radicals P^(a) and P^(b) are selected from the group         consisting of vinyloxy, acrylate, methacrylate, fluoroacrylate,         chloroacrylate, oxetane and epoxide groups, particularly         preferably acrylate or methacrylate groups,     -   the radicals Sp^(a) and Sp^(b) are selected from the group         consisting of —(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—         and —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O— and mirror images thereof, in which p1         denotes an integer from 1 to 12, preferably from 1 to 6,         particularly preferably 1, 2 or 3, and where these radicals are         linked to P^(a) or P^(b) in such a way that O atoms are not         directly adjacent, Compounds of formula P preferably used         according to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention are         those comprising exactly two rings (n1=n2=0), which are         preferably 6-membered rings. Especially preferred are compounds         selected from the group of compounds of the following formulae:

wherein P^(a), P^(b), Sp^(a), Sp^(b), s1 and s2 are as defined under formula P above, and preferably Sp^(a/b) is alkylene —(CH₂)_(n)— wherein n preferably is 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 and pa/b preferably a methacrylat- or acrylate moiety. Especially preferred is the use of compounds selected from the group of formulae Pa, Pb, Pc, Pd, Pe, Pf, Pg, Ph and Pi and, in particular the compounds of formula Pa.

In formula P the moiety “A²-Q-A³” preferably is a moiety of formula

wherein preferably at least one of the two phenylene rings is substituted by at least one L, which is different from H, wherein r is independently for each ring, and preferably it is for each ring 0, 1 or 2.

For the compounds of formula P, as well as for its respective subformulae, preferably

P^(a) and P^(b) are, independently from each other, acrylate or methacrylate, but also fluoroacrylate,

Sp^(a) and Sp^(b) are, independently from each other, —(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—, —O—(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—, —CO—O—(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O— or —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O—, wherein p1 is an integer from 1 to 12, preferably from 1 to 6, particularly preferred 1, 2 or 3, and wherein these moieties are linked with P^(a) or P^(b) in such a way that no O-atoms are linked directly to on another.

Especially preferred is the use of compounds of formula P, wherein

-   -   P^(a) and P^(b) are vinyleoxy-, acrylate-, methacrylata-,         fluoroacrylate-, chloroacrylate-, oxetane- or an epoxygroup,         particularly preferred acrylateor methacrylate,     -   Sp^(a) and Sp^(b) are —(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—,         —O—(CH₂)_(p1)—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—, —CO—O—(CH₂)_(p1)—,         —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O— or —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O—, wherein p1 is an         integer from 1 to 12, preferably from 1 to 6, particularly         preferred 1, 2 or 3, and wherein these moieties are linked with         P^(a) or P^(b) in such a way that no O-atoms are linked directly         to on another.

Suitable and preferred co-monomers for use in polymer precursors for polymer stabilised devices according to the present invention are selected, for example, from the following formulae:

wherein the parameters have the following meanings:

-   P¹ and P² each, independently of one another, a polymerizable group,     preferably having one of the meanings given above or below for     P^(a), particularly preferred an acrylate, methacrylate,     fluoroacrylate, oxetane, vinyloxy- or epoxy group, -   Sp¹ and Sp² each, independently of one another, a single bond or a     spacer group, preferably having one of the meanings given above or     below for Sp^(a), particularly preferred an —(CH₂)_(p1)—,     —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—, —(CH₂)_(p1)—CO—O— or —(CH₂)_(p1)—O—CO—O—, wherein p1     is an integer from 1 to 12, and wherein the groups mentioned last     are linked to the adjacent ring via the O-atom, -   and, wherein alternatively also one or more of P¹-Sp¹- and P²-Sp²-     may be R^(aa), provided that at least one of P¹-Sp¹- and P²-Sp²-     present in the compound is not R^(aa), -   R^(aa) H, F, Cl, CN or linear or branched alkyl having 1 to 25     C-atoms, wherein one or more non-adjacent —CH₂— groups,     independently of each another, may be replaced by —C(R⁰)═C(R⁰)—,     —C≡C—, —N(R⁰)—, —O—, —S—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —OCO—, —O—CO—O— in such a     way that neither O- nor S-atoms are directly linked to one another,     and wherein also one or more H-atoms may be replaced by F, Cl, CN or     P¹-Sp¹-, particularly preferred linear or branched, optionally     single- or polyfluorinated, alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkinyl,     alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or alkylcarbonyloxy having 1 to 12     C-atoms, wherein the alkenyl- and alkinyl groups have at least two     and the branched groups have at least three C-atoms, -   R⁰, R⁰⁰ each, at each occurrence independently of one another, H or     alkyl having 1 to 12 C-atoms, -   R^(y) and R^(z) each, independently of one another, H, F, CH₃ or     CF₃, -   Z¹—O—, —CO—, —C(R^(y)R^(z))—, or —CF₂CF₂—, -   Z² und Z³ each, independently of one another, —CO—O—, —O—CO—,     —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, or —(CH₂)_(n)—, wherein n is 2, 3 or     4, -   L at each occurrence independently of one another, F, Cl, CN, SCN,     SF₅ or linear or branched, optionally mono- or polyfluorinated,     alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkinyl, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl,     alkylcarbonyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1 to 12 C-atoms,     preferably F, -   L′ and L″ each, independently of one another, H, F or Cl, -   r 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, -   s 0, 1, 2 or 3, -   t 0, 1 or 2, and -   x 0 or 1.

Suitable and preferred co-monomers for use in devices according to the present application operable and/or operating at a temperature where the mesogenic medium is in the blue are for example selected from the group of mono-reactive compounds, which are present in the precursor of the polymer stabilised systems in a concentration in the range from 1 to 9 wt.-%, particularly preferred from 4 to 7 wt.-%. Preferred mono-reactive compounds are the compounds of formulae M1 bis M29, wherein one or more of P¹-Sp¹- and P²-Sp²- are Rest R^(aa), such that the compounds have a single reactive group only.

Particularly preferred mono-reactive compounds are the compounds of the following formulae

wherein P¹, Sp¹ and R^(aa) have the respective meanings given above and P¹ preferably is acrylate (CH₂═CH—CO—O—) or methacrylate (CH₂═C(CH₃)CO—O—).

Amongst these the compounds of the formula

wherein

-   n is an integer, preferably an even integer, in the range from 1 to     16, preferably from 2 to 8, -   m is an integer in the range from 1 to 15, preferably from 2 to 7,     are especially preferred.

Particular preference is given to an LC medium, an LC device, preferably for the high frequency technology, in particular for a phase shifter or a microwave antenna e.g. a leaky antenna, a process or the use as described above and below, in which the LC medium or the polymerizable or polymerized component present therein comprises one or more compounds of the following formula:

in which P^(a), P^(b), Sp^(a), Sp^(b), s1, s2 and L have the meanings indicated above and below, r denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, and Z² and Z³ each, independently of one another, denote —CF₂—O— or —O—CF₂—, preferably Z² is —CF₂—O— and Z³ is —O—CF₂— or vice versa or Z² is —CO—O— and Z³ is —O—CO— or vice versa, and, most preferably, Z² is —CF₂—O— and Z³ is —O—CF₂— or Z² is —CO—O— and Z³ is —O—CO—.

Preferably the liquid-crystalline media used according to the present invention comprise as a polymer precursor or part of a polymer precursor one, two or more reactive mesogens, preferably one or more mono-reactive mesogens and, at the same time, one or more direactive mesogens. Optionally one or more of the reactive mesogens may be replaced by a non-mesogenic, respectively an isotropic, reactive compound, preferably selected from HDMA, HDDMA, EHA, EA, EMA and the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the instant application the liquid-crystalline media used according to the present invention comprise a polymer obtained or obtainable by polymerization, preferably photopolymerization of a polymer precursor comprising one, two or more reactive mesogens, preferably one or more mono-reactive mesogens and, at the same time, one or more direactive mesogens. Optionally one or more of the reactive mesogens may be replaced by a non-mesogenic, respectively an isotropic, reactive compound, preferably selected from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA), 1,3,3-trimethylhexyl acrylate (TMHA), hexanolediacrylate (HDDA), hexanoledimethacrylate (HDDMA), and the like, but also from metylmethacrylate (MMA), ethylacrylate (EA), ethylmethacrylate (EMA) and 6-(4′-cyanobiphenyl-4-yloxy)hexyl acrylate (6CBA), a mesogenic monomer.

Preferably one or more, most preferably all, mono-reactive mesogens are methacrylates and, also preferably one or more, most preferably all, monoreactive mesogens are selected from the group of the bisacrylates and the mixed acrylates-methacrylates, preferably they are bisacrylates.

Preferably the liquid-crystalline media according to the present invention comprise

-   -   one or more compounds of the formula I and     -   one or more compounds of the formula II

or

-   -   one or more compounds of the formula I and     -   one or more compounds of the formula III

or

-   -   one or more compounds of the formula II and     -   one or more compounds of the formula III

or, most preferably,

-   -   one or more compounds of the formula I and     -   one or more compounds of the formula II and     -   one or more compounds of the formula III.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystalline media comprise one or more compounds of the formula I and one or more compounds of the formula III.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystalline media comprise one or more compounds of the formula I and one or more compounds of the formula II.

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present invention likewise preferably comprise one or more compounds of the formula II and one or more compounds of the formula III.

Particular preference is given in accordance with the present invention to liquid-crystalline media which comprise one or more compounds of the formula I, one or more compounds of the formula II and one or more compounds of the formula III.

Additionally the liquid-crystalline media used according to the present invention comprise one or more compounds of the formula IV,

in which

particularly preferably

-   L⁴ denotes alkyl having 1 to 6 C atoms, cycloalkyl having 3 to 6 C     atoms or cycloalkenyl having 4 to 6 C atoms, preferably CH₃, C₂H₅,     n-C₃H₇(—(CH₂)₂CH₃), i-C₃H₇ (—CH(CH₃)₂), cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,     cyclohexyl, cyclopent-1-enyl or cyclohex-1-enyl, and particularly     preferably CH₃, C₂H₅, cyclopropyl or cyclobutyl, -   X⁴ denotes H, alkyl having 1 to 3 C atoms or halogen, preferably H,     F or Cl, and particularly preferably H or F and very particularly     preferably F, -   R⁴¹ to R⁴⁴, independently of one another, denote unfluorinated alkyl     or unfluorinated alkoxy, each having 1 to 15 C atoms, unfluorinated     alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl, each     having 2 to 15 C atoms, or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl,     cycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkylalkyl or     alkylcycloalkenylalkyl, each having up to 15 C atoms, and     alternatively one of R⁴³ and R⁴⁴ or both also denote H,

preferably

-   R⁴¹ and R⁴², independently of one another, denote unfluorinated     alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy, each having 1 to 7 C atoms, or     unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated     alkoxyalkyl, each having 2 to 7 C atoms,

particularly preferably

-   R⁴¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated     alkoxyalkyl, each having 2 to 7 C atoms, and

particularly preferably

-   R⁴² denotes unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy, each having     1 to 7 C atoms, and

preferably

-   R⁴³ and R⁴⁴ denote H, unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 5 C atoms,     unfluorinated cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl having 3 to 7 C atoms,     unfluorinated alkylcyclohexyl or unfluorinated cyclohexylalkyl, each     having 4 to 12 C atoms, or unfluorinated alkylcyclohexylalkyl having     5 to 15 C atoms, particularly preferably cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or     cyclohexyl, and very particularly preferably at least one of R⁴³ and     R⁴⁴ denotes n-alkyl, particularly preferably methyl, ethyl or     n-propyl, and the other denotes H or n-alkyl, particularly     preferably H, methyl, ethyl or n-propyl.

Preferably the liquid crystal media contain one or more chiral dopants preferably having an absolute value of the helical twisting power (HTP) of 20 m⁻¹ or more, preferably of 40 μm⁻¹ or more, more preferably in the range of 60 μm⁻¹ or more, most preferably in the range of 80 μm⁻¹ or more to 260 μm⁻¹ or less.

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise in total 15% to 90%, preferably 20% to 85% and particularly preferably 25% to 80%, of compounds of the formula I. The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise in total 1% to 70%, preferably 2% to 65% and particularly preferably 3% to 60%, of compounds of the formula II.

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise in total 0% to 60%, preferably 5% to 55% and particularly preferably 10% to 50%, of compounds of the formula III.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the liquid-crystalline media comprise in each case one or more compounds of the formulae I, II and III, the concentration of the compounds of the formula I is preferably 45% to 75%, preferably 50% to 70% and particularly preferably 55% to 65%, the concentration of the compounds of the formula II is preferably 1% to 20%, preferably 2% to 15% and particularly preferably 3% to 10%, and the concentration of the compounds of the formula III is preferably 1% to 30%, preferably 5% to 25% and particularly preferably 5% to 20%.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the liquid-crystalline media comprise in each case one or more compounds of the formulae I, II and III, the concentration of the compounds of the formula I is preferably 15% to 40%, preferably 20% to 35% and particularly preferably 25% to 30%, the concentration of the compounds of the formula II is preferably 10% to 35%, preferably 15% to 30% and particularly preferably 20% to 25% and the concentration of the compounds of the formula III is preferably 25% to 50%, preferably 30% to 45% and particularly preferably 35% to 40%

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the liquid-crystalline media comprise in each case one or more compounds of the formulae I and II, but at most 5% and preferably no compounds of the formula III, the concentration of the compounds of the formula I is preferably 10% to 50%, preferably 20% to 40% and particularly preferably 25% to 35% the concentration of the compounds of the formula II is preferably 40% to 70% preferably 50% to 65% and particularly preferably 55% to 60%, and the concentration of the compounds of the formula III is preferably 1% to 4%, preferably 1% to 3% and particularly preferably 0%.

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application particularly preferably comprise in total 50% to 80%, preferably 55% to 75% and particularly preferably 57% to 70% of compounds of the formula I-1 and/or in total 5% to 70% preferably 6% to 50% and particularly preferably 8% to 20% of compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2 and 1-3.

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application likewise preferably comprise in total 5% to 60% preferably 10% to 50% and particularly preferably 7% to 20% of compounds of the formula II.

In the case of the use of a single homologous compound, these limits correspond to the concentration of this homologue, which is preferably 2% to 20% particularly preferably 1% to 15%. In the case of the use of two or more homologues, the concentration of the individual homologues is likewise preferably in each case 1% to 15%.

The compounds of the formulae I to III in each case include dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of greater than 3, dielectrically neutral compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of less than 3 and greater than −1.5 and dielectrically negative compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of −1.5 or less.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-crystal medium comprises one or more compounds of the formula I, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1 to I-3, preferably of the formulae I-1 and/or I-2 and/or I-3, preferably of the formulae I-1 and I-2, more preferably these compounds of the formula I predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above for formula I and preferably

-   R¹¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   R¹² denotes unfluorinated alkyl having 1 to 7 C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms or unfluorinated alkoxy     having 1 to 7 C atoms, -   X¹¹ and X¹², independently of one another, denote F, Cl, —OCF₃,     —CF₃, —CN, —NCS or —SF₅, preferably F, Cl, —OCF₃ or —CN.

The compounds of the formula I-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1a to I-1d, more preferably these compounds of the formula I-1 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above for formula I-1 and in which

-   Y¹¹ and Y¹² each, independently of one another, denote H or F, and     preferably -   R¹¹ denotes alkyl or alkenyl, and -   X¹¹ denotes F, Cl or —OCF₃.

The compounds of the formula I-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2a to I-2e and/or from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2f and I-2g, more preferably these compounds of the formula I-2 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

where in each case the compounds of the formula I-2a are excluded from the compounds of the formulae I-2b and I-2c, the compounds of the formula I-2b are excluded from the compounds of the formulae I-2c and the compounds of the formula I-2g are excluded from the compounds of the formulae I-2f, and

wherein the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above for formula I-1 and in which

-   Y¹¹ and Y¹² each, independently of one another, denote H or F, and     preferably -   R¹¹ denotes alkyl or alkenyl, -   X¹¹ denotes F, Cl or —OCF₃, and preferably one of -   Y¹¹ and Y¹² denotes H and the other denotes H or F, preferably     likewise denotes H.

The compounds of the formula I-3 are preferably compounds of the formula I-3a:

wherein the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above for formula I-1 and wherein preferably

-   X¹¹ denotes F, Cl, preferably F, -   X¹² denotes F, Cl or —OCF₃, preferably —OCF₃.

In an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of the formula I are selected from the group of the compounds I-1a to I-1d, preferably selected from the group of the compounds I-1c and I-1d, more preferably the compounds of the formula I predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

The compounds of the formula I-1a are preferably selected from the group of the compounds I-1a-1 and I-1a-2, more preferably these compounds of the formula I-1a predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), wherein -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5 and particularly preferably 3 or 7.

The compounds of the formula I-1 b are preferably compounds of the formula I-1b-1:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula I-1c are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1c-1 and I-1c-4, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1c-1 and I-1c-2, more preferably these compounds of the formula I-1c predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), in which -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula I-1d are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-1d-1 and I-1d-2, preferably the compound of the formula I-1d-2, more preferably these compounds of the formula I-1d predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), wherein -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula I-2a are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I-2a-1 and I-2a-2, preferably the compounds of the formula I-1a-1, more preferably these compounds of the formula I-2a predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

Preferred combinations of (R¹¹ and R¹²), in particular in formula I-2a-1, are (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), (CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and (CH₂)_(Z)CH═CH₂).

Preferred compounds of the formula I-2b are the compounds of the formula I-2b-1:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R¹¹ and R¹²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula I-2c are the compounds of the formula I-2c-1:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R¹¹ and R¹²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula I-2d are the compounds of the formula I-2d-1:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R¹ and R¹²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula I-2e are the compounds of the formula I-2e-1:

in which

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and in which -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of (R¹¹ and R¹²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula I-2f are the compounds of the formula I-2f-1:

wherein

R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and

-   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R¹¹ and R¹²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Preferred compounds of the formula I-2g are the compounds of the formula I-2g-1:

wherein

-   R¹¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R¹² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R¹¹ and R¹²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula II are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1 to II-4, more preferably these compounds of the formula II predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   Z²¹ and Z²² denote trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, preferably     trans-CH═CH—, and the other parameters have the meaning given above     under formula II, and preferably -   R²¹ and R²², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl     having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   X²² denotes F, Cl, —CN or —NCS, preferably —NCS,

and one of

-   -   and the others, independently of one another, denote

and preferably

-   R²¹ denotes C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R²² denotes C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂,     and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2,

and where the compounds of the formula II-2 are excluded from the compounds of the formula II-1.

The compounds of the formula II-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae II-1a and II-1b, preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formula II-1a, more preferably these compounds of the formula II-1 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   R²¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R²² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R²¹ and R²²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) in the case of formula II-1a and particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)) in the case of formula II-1b.

The compounds of the formula II-2 are preferably compounds of the formula II-2a:

wherein

-   R²¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R²² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R²¹ and R²²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula II-3 are preferably compounds of the formula II-3a:

wherein the parameters have the meanings indicated above for formula II-3 and preferably

-   R²¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), wherein -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5, and -   X²² denotes —F, —Cl, —OCF₃, —ON or —NCS, particularly preferably     —NCS.

The compounds of the formula II-4 are preferably compounds of the formula II-4a:

wherein the parameters have the meanings indicated above for formula II-4 and preferably

-   R²¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), wherein -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5, and -   X²² denotes —F, —Cl, —OCF₃, —ON or —NCS, particularly preferably     —NCS.

Further preferred compounds of the formula II are the compounds of the following formulae:

wherein

-   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 7, preferably in the     range from 1 to 5.

The compounds of the formula III are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1 to III-7, more preferably these compounds of the formula III predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

where the compounds of the formula III-5 are excluded from the compounds of the formula III-6, and

wherein the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above for formula I and preferably

-   R³¹ denotes unfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy, each having 1 to 7 C     atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, -   R³² denotes unfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy, each having 1 to 7 C     atoms, or unfluorinated alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, and -   X³² denotes F, Cl, or —OCF₃, preferably F, and

particularly preferably

-   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R³² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The compounds of the formula III-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-1a to III-1d, more preferably these compounds of the formula III-1 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   X³² has the meaning given above for formula III-2 and -   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), wherein -   n denotes 1 to 7, preferably 2 to 6, particularly preferably 2, 3 or     5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2, and -   X³² preferably denotes F.

The compounds of the formula III-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-2a and III-2b, preferably of the formula III-2a, more preferably these compounds of the formula III-2 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R³² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R³¹ and R³²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula III-3 are preferably compounds of the formula III-3a:

wherein

-   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R³² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R³¹ and R³²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula III-4 are preferably compounds of the formula III-4a:

wherein

-   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R³² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R³¹ and R³²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula III-5 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-5a and III-5b, preferably of the formula III-5a, more preferably these compounds of the formula III-5 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R³² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R³¹ and R³²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula III-6 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae III-6a and III-6b, more preferably these compounds of the formula III-6 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   R³¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R³² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R³¹ and R³²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The media in accordance with the present invention optionally comprise one or more compounds of the formula IV

wherein

-   R⁴¹ and R⁴², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15,     preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, preferably unfluorinated alkyl or     alkenyl,

one of

-   Z⁴¹ and Z⁴² denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the     other denotes, independently thereof, trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or     a single bond, preferably one of them denotes —C≡C— or trans-CH═CH—     and the other denotes a single bond, and

-   -   independently of one another, denote

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise in total 0 to 40%, preferably 0 to 30% and particularly preferably 5 to 25%, of compounds of the formula IV.

The compounds of the formulae IV are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IV-1 to IV-3, more preferably these compounds of the formula IV predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

one of

-   Y⁴¹ and Y⁴² denotes H and the other denotes H or F, and -   R⁴¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁴² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁴¹ and R⁴²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formulae IV-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae IV-1a to IV-1c, more preferably these compounds of the formula IV-1 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   R⁴¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁴² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁴¹ and R⁴²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula IV-2 are preferably compounds of the formula IV-2a:

wherein

-   R⁴¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁴² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁴¹ and R⁴²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula IV-3 are preferably compounds of the formula IV-3a:

wherein

-   R⁴¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁴² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of (R⁴¹ and R⁴²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The media in accordance with the present invention optionally comprise one or more compounds of the formula V

wherein

-   L⁵¹ denotes R⁵¹ or X⁵¹, -   L⁵² denotes R⁵² or X⁵², -   R⁵¹ and R⁵², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated     alkyl or alkoxy having 1 to 15, preferably 3 to 10, C atoms or     unfluorinated alkenyl, alkenyloxy or alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15,     preferably 3 to 10, C atoms, preferably unfluorinated alkyl or     alkenyl, -   X⁵¹ and X⁵², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN,     —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C     atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated or fluorinated     alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7     C atoms, preferably fluorinated alkoxy, fluorinated alkenyloxy, F or     Cl, and -   Z⁵¹ to Z⁵³, independently of one another, denote trans-CH═CH—,     trans-CF═CF—, —C≡C— or a single bond, preferably one or more of them     denotes a single bond, and particularly preferably all denote a     single bond,

-   -   independently of one another, denote

The compounds of the formula V are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1 to V-3, more preferably these compounds of the formula V predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein the parameters have the respective meanings indicated above under formula V and preferably

one of

and

wherein

-   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of the pair of parameters (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise in total 5% to 30%, preferably 10% to 25% and particularly preferably 15% to 20%, of compounds of the formula V.

The compounds of the formula V-1 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-1a to V-1e, more preferably these compounds of the formula V-1 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein the parameters have the meaning given above and preferably

-   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1), and -   n denotes an integer in the range from 0 to 15, preferably in the     range from 1 to 7 and particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   X⁵² preferably denotes F or Cl.

The compounds of the formula V-2 are preferably selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae V-2a and V-2b, more preferably these compounds of the formula V-2 predominantly consist, even more preferably essentially consist and very particularly preferably completely consist thereof:

wherein

-   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combination of the pair of parameters (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here is, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

The compounds of the formula V-3 are preferably compounds of the formulae V-3a and V-3b:

wherein

-   R⁵¹ has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(n)H_(2n+1) or CH₂═CH—(CH₂)_(Z), and -   R⁵² has the meaning indicated above and preferably denotes     C_(m)H_(2m+1) or O—C_(m)H_(2m+1) or (CH₂)_(Z)—CH═CH₂, and wherein -   n and m, independently of one another, denote an integer in the     range from 0 to 15, preferably in the range from 1 to 7 and     particularly preferably 1 to 5, and -   z denotes 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0 or 2.

The preferred combinations of the pair of parameters (R⁵¹ and R⁵²) here are, in particular, (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1)) and (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)), particularly preferably (C_(n)H_(2n+1) and O—C_(m)H_(2m+1)).

Suitable and preferred polymerization methods are, for example, thermally induced polymerization or photo polymerization, preferably photopolymerization, in particular UV photopolymerization. One or more initiators can optionally also be added here. Suitable conditions for the polymerization and suitable types and amounts of initiators are known to the person skilled in the art and are described in the literature. Suitable for free-radical polymerization are, for example, and preferably, the commercially available photoinitiators Irgacure®184, Irgacure®369, Irgacure®651, Irgacure®784 (preferably), Irgacure®819 (preferably), Irgacure®907 or Irgacure®1300 (all from BASF) or Darocure®1173 (from Ciba AG). If an initiator is employed, its proportion is preferably 0.001% to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.001% to 1% by weight.

The polymerizable compounds according to the invention are also suitable for polymerization without an initiator, which is accompanied by considerable advantages, such as, for example, lower material costs and in particular less contamination of the LC medium by possible residual amounts of the initiator or degradation products thereof. The polymerization can thus also be carried out without the addition of an initiator. In a preferred embodiment, the LC medium thus comprises no polymerization initiator.

The polymerizable component or the LC medium may also comprise one or more stabilisers in order to prevent undesired spontaneous polymerization of the RMs, for example during storage or transport. Suitable types and amounts of stabilisers are known to the person skilled in the art and are described in the literature. Particularly suitable are, for example, the commercially available stabilisers from the Irganox® series (from Ciba AG), such as, for example, Irganox® 1076. If stabilisers are employed, their proportion, based on the total amount of the mixture of LS including the RMs or the polymerizable component, is preferably in the range from 10 ppm to 10,000 ppm, particularly preferably in the range from 50 ppm to 2,000 ppm, most preferably 0.2% or about 0.2%.

The mixtures are characterized as described below before the polymerization. The reactive components are then polymerized by irradiation once (180 s), and the resultant media are re-characterized.

The polymerization of the media preferably is carried out by irradiation with a UV lamp (e.g. Dymax, Bluewave 200, 365 nm interference filter) having an effective power of about 3.0 mW/cm² for 180 seconds. The polymerization is carried out directly in the test cell/antenna device. To minimize UV induced host degradation a suitable long pass filter is beneficially applied, for example Schott GG395 or GG410.

The polymerization is carried out at room temperature.

The entire irradiation time which results in maximum stabilisation is typically 180 s at the irradiation power indicated. Further polymerizations can be carried out in accordance with an optimised irradiation/temperature programme.

The total concentration of the polymerizable compounds in the medium prior to polymerization preferably is in the range from 1% to 20%, more preferably from 2% to 15% and, most preferably from 2% to 10%.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medium comprises one or more dielectrically positive compounds of the formula I-1 having a dielectric anisotropy of greater than 3.

The medium preferably comprises one or more dielectrically neutral compounds of the formula I-2 having a dielectric anisotropy in the range from more than −1.5 to 3.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medium comprises one or more compounds of the formula II.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medium comprises one or more compounds of the formula III.

The liquid-crystalline media, preferably or better the nematic component of the liquid crystalline media used in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, particularly preferably 2% or less, very particularly preferably 1% or less, and in particular absolutely no compound having only two or fewer five- and/or six-membered rings.

The definitions of the abbreviations (acronyms) are likewise indicated below in Table D or are evident from Tables A to C.

The liquid-crystalline media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise, more preferably predominantly consist of, even more preferably essentially consist of and very preferably completely consist of compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I to V, preferably I to IV and very preferably I to III and/or V.

In this application, “comprise” in connection with compositions means that the entity in question, i.e. the medium or the component, comprises the component or components or compound or compounds indicated, preferably in a total concentration of 10% or more and very preferably 20% or more.

In this connection, “predominantly consist of” means that the entity in question comprises 55% or more, preferably 60% or more and very preferably 70% or more of the component or components or compound or compounds indicated.

In this connection, “essentially consist of” means that the entity in question comprises 80% or more, preferably 90% or more and very preferably 95% or more of the component or components or compound or compounds indicated.

In this connection, “completely consist of” means that the entity in question comprises 98% or more, preferably 99% or more and very preferably 100.0% of the component or components or compound or compounds indicated.

Other mesogenic compounds which are not explicitly mentioned above can optionally and advantageously also be used in the media in accordance with the present invention. Such compounds are known to the person skilled in the art.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention preferably have a clearing point of 90° C. or more, more preferably 100° C. or more, still more preferably 120° C. or more, particularly preferably 150° C. or more and very particularly preferably 170° C. or more.

The nematic phase of the media in accordance with the invention preferably extends at least from 20° C. or less to 90° C. or more, preferably up to 100° C. or more, more preferably at least from 00° C. or less to 120° C. or more, very preferably at least from −10° C. or less to 140° C. or more and in particular at least from −20° C. or less to 150° C. or more.

The Δε of the liquid-crystal medium in accordance with the invention, at 1 kHz and 20° C., is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more and very preferably 3 or more.

The Δn of the liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention, at 589 nm (Na^(D)) and 20° C., is preferably in the range from 0.200 or more to 0.90 or less, more preferably in the range from 0.250 or more to 0.90 or less, even more preferably in the range from 0.300 or more to 0.85 or less and very particularly preferably in the range from 0.350 or more to 0.800 or less.

In a first preferred embodiment of the present application, the Δn of the liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention is preferably 0.50 or more, more preferably 0.55 or more.

In accordance with the present invention, the individual compounds of the formula I are preferably used in a total concentration of 10% to 70%, more preferably 20% to 60%, even more preferably 30% to 50% and very preferably 25% to 45% of the mixture as a whole.

The compounds of the formula II are preferably used in a total concentration of 1% to 20%, more preferably 1% to 15%, even more preferably 2% to 15% and very preferably 3% to 10% of the mixture as a whole.

The compounds of the formula III are preferably used in a total concentration of 1% to 60%, more preferably 5% to 50%, even more preferably 10% to 45% and very preferably 15% to 40% of the mixture as a whole.

The liquid-crystal media preferably comprise, preferably predominantly consist of and very preferably completely consist of in total 50% to 100%, more preferably 70% to 100% and very preferably 80% to 100% and in particular 90% to 100% of the compounds of the formulae I, II, III, IV and V, preferably of the formulae I, III, IV and V, more preferably of the formulae I, II, III, IV and/or VI.

In the present application, the expression dielectrically positive describes compounds or components where Δε>3.0, dielectrically neutral describes those where −1.5≤Δε≤3.0 and dielectrically negative describes those where Δε<−1.5. Δε is determined at a frequency of 1 kHz and at 20° C. The dielectric anisotropy of the respective compound is determined from the results of a solution of 10% of the respective individual compound in a nematic host mixture. If the solubility of the respective compound in the host mixture is less than 10%, the concentration is reduced to 5%. The capacitances of the test mixtures are determined both in a cell having homeotropic alignment and in a cell having homogeneous alignment. The cell thickness of both types of cells is approximately 20 μm. The voltage applied is a rectangular wave having a frequency of 1 kHz and an effective value of typically 0.5 V to 1.0 V, but it is always selected to be below the capacitive threshold of the respective test mixture.

Δε is defined as (ε∥−ε_(⊥)), while ε_(ave). is (ε_(∥)+2 ε_(⊥))/3.

The host mixture used for dielectrically positive compounds is mixture ZLI-4792 and that used for dielectrically neutral and dielectrically negative compounds is mixture ZLI-3086, both from Merck KGaA, Germany. The absolute values of the dielectric constants of the compounds are determined from the change in the respective values of the host mixture on addition of the compounds of interest. The values are extrapolated to a concentration of the compounds of interest of 100%.

Components having a nematic phase at the measurement temperature of 20° C. are measured as such, all others are treated like compounds.

The expression threshold voltage in the present application refers to the optical threshold and is quoted for 10% relative contrast (V₁₀), and the expression saturation voltage refers to the optical saturation and is quoted for 90% relative contrast (V₉₀), in both cases unless expressly stated otherwise. The capacitive threshold voltage (V₀), also called the Freedericks threshold (V_(Fr)), is only used if expressly mentioned.

The parameter ranges indicated in this application all include the limit values, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The different upper and lower limit values indicated for various ranges of properties in combination with one another give rise to additional preferred ranges.

Throughout this application, the following conditions and definitions apply, unless expressly stated otherwise. All concentrations are quoted in percent by weight and relate to the respective mixture as a whole, all temperatures are quoted in degrees Celsius and all temperature differences are quoted in differential degrees. All physical properties are determined in accordance with “Merck Liquid Crystals, Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals”, Status November 1997, Merck KGaA, Germany, and are quoted for a temperature of 20° C., unless expressly stated otherwise. The optical anisotropy (Δn) is determined at a wavelength of 589.3 nm. The dielectric anisotropy (Δε) is determined at a frequency of 1 kHz. The threshold voltages, as well as all other electro-optical properties, are determined using test cells produced at Merck KGaA, Germany. The test cells for the determination of Ac have a cell thickness of approximately 20 μm. The electrode is a circular ITO electrode having an area of 1.13 cm² and a guard ring. The orientation layers are SE-1211 from Nissan Chemicals, Japan, for homeotropic orientation (e 1) and polyimide AL-1054 from Japan Synthetic Rubber, Japan, for homogeneous orientation (ε_(⊥)). The capacitances are determined using a Solatron 1260 frequency response analyser using a sine wave with a voltage of 0.3 V_(rms). The light used in the electro-optical measurements is white light. A set-up using a commercially available DMS instrument from Autronic-Melchers, Germany, is used here. The characteristic voltages have been determined under perpendicular observation. The threshold (V₁₀), mid-grey (V₅₀) and saturation (V₉₀) voltages have been determined for 10%, 50% and 90% relative contrast, respectively.

The liquid-crystalline media are investigated with respect to their properties in the microwave frequency range as described in A. Penirschke, S. Müller, P. Scheele, C. Weil, M. Wittek, C. Hock and R. Jakoby: “Cavity Perturbation Method for Characterization of Liquid Crystals up to 35 GHz”, 34^(th) European Microwave Conference—Amsterdam, pp. 545-548.

Compare in this respect also A. Gaebler, F. Gölden, S. Muiller, A. Penirschke and R. Jakoby “Direct Simulation of Material Permittivites . . . ”, 12MTC 2009—International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference, Singapore, 2009 (IEEE), pp. 463-467, and DE 10 2004 029 429 A, in which a measurement method is likewise described in detail.

The liquid crystal is introduced into a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) capillary. The capillary has an internal radius of 180 m and an external radius of 350 μm. The effective length is 2.0 cm. The filled capillary is introduced into the centre of the cavity with a resonance frequency of 30 GHz. This cavity has a length of 6.6 mm, a width of 7.1 mm and a height of 3.6 mm. The input signal (source) is then applied, and the result of the output signal is recorded using a commercial vector network analyser.

The change in the resonance frequency and the Q factor between the measurement with the capillary filled with the liquid crystal and the measurement without the capillary filled with the liquid crystal is used to determine the dielectric constant and the loss angle at the corresponding target frequency by means of equations 10 and 11 in A. Penirschke, S. Muiller, P. Scheele, C. Weil, M. Wittek, C. Hock and R. Jakoby: “Cavity Perturbation Method for Characterization of Liquid Crystals up to 35 GHz”, 34^(th) European Microwave Conference—Amsterdam, pp. 545-548, as described therein.

The values for the components of the properties perpendicular and parallel to the director of the liquid crystal are obtained by alignment of the liquid crystal in a magnetic field. To this end, the magnetic field of a permanent magnet is used. The strength of the magnetic field is 0.35 tesla. The alignment of the magnets is set correspondingly and then rotated correspondingly through 90°.

Preferred components are phase shifters, varactors, wireless and radio wave antenna arrays, matching circuit adaptive filters and others.

In the present application, the term compounds is taken to mean both one compound and a plurality of compounds, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The liquid-crystal media according to the invention preferably have nematic phases of in each case at least from −20° C. to 80° C., preferably from −30° C. to 85° C. and very particularly preferably from −40° C. to 100° C. The phase particularly preferably extends to 120° C. or more, preferably to 140° C. or more and very particularly preferably to 180° C. or more. The expression have a nematic phase here means on the one hand that no smectic phase and no crystallisation are observed at low temperatures at the corresponding temperature and on the other hand that no clearing occurs on heating from the nematic phase. The investigation at low temperatures is carried out in a flow viscometer at the corresponding temperature and checked by storage in test cells having a layer thickness of 5 μm for at least 100 hours. At high temperatures, the clearing point is measured in capillaries by conventional methods.

Furthermore, the liquid-crystal media according to the invention are characterised by high optical anisotropy values in the visible range, especially at a wavelength of 589.0 nm (i.e. at the Na “D” line). The birefringence at 589 nm is preferably 0.20 or more, particularly preferably 0.25 or more, particularly preferably 0.30 or more, particularly preferably 0.40 or more and very particularly preferably 0.45 or more. In addition, the birefringence is preferably 0.80 or less.

The liquid crystals employed preferably have a positive dielectric anisotropy. This is preferably 2 or more, preferably 4 or more, particularly preferably 6 or more and very particularly preferably 10 or more.

Furthermore, the liquid-crystal media according to the invention are characterised by high anisotropy values in the microwave range. The birefringence at about 8.3 GHz is, for example, preferably 0.14 or more, particularly preferably 0.15 or more, particularly preferably 0.20 or more, particularly preferably 0.25 or more and very particularly preferably 0.30 or more. In addition, the birefringence is preferably 0.80 or less.

The dielectric anisotropy in the microwave range is defined as Δε_(r)≡(ε_(r,∥)−ε_(r,⊥)).

The tuneability (τ) is defined as τ≡(Δε_(r)/ε_(r,∥)).

The material quality (η) is defined as η≡(τ/tan δ_(εr,max)), where

the maximum dielectric loss is tan δ_(εr,max)≡max·{tan δ_(εr,⊥);tan δε_(r,∥)}.

The material quality (η) of the preferred liquid-crystal materials is 6 or more, preferably 8 or more, preferably 10 or more, preferably 15 or more, preferably 17 or more, preferably 20 or more, particularly preferably 25 or more and very particularly preferably 30 or more.

In the corresponding components, the preferred liquid-crystal materials have phase shifter qualities of 15°/dB or more, preferably 20°/dB or more, preferably 30°/dB or more, preferably 40°/dB or more, preferably 50°/dB or more, particularly preferably 80°/dB or more and very particularly preferably 100°/dB or more.

In some embodiments, however, liquid crystals having a negative value of the dielectric anisotropy can also advantageously be used.

The liquid crystals employed are either individual substances or mixtures.

They preferably have a nematic phase.

The term “alkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain and branched alkyl groups having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, in particular the straight-chain groups methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and heptyl. Groups having 2 to 10 carbon atoms are generally preferred.

The term “alkenyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain and branched alkenyl groups having 2 to 15 carbon atoms, in particular the straight-chain groups. Particularly preferred alkenyl groups are C₂- to C₇-1E-alkenyl, C₄- to C₇-3E-alkenyl, C₅- to C₇-4-alkenyl, C₆- to C₇-5-alkenyl and C₇-6-alkenyl, in particular C₂- to C₇-1E-alkenyl, C₄- to C₇-3E-alkenyl and C₅- to C₇-4-alkenyl. Examples of further preferred alkenyl groups are vinyl, 1E-propenyl, 1E-butenyl, 1E-pentenyl, 1E-hexenyl, 1E-heptenyl, 3-butenyl, 3E-pentenyl, 3E-hexenyl, 3E-heptenyl, 4-pentenyl, 4Z-hexenyl, 4E-hexenyl, 4Z-heptenyl, 5-hexenyl, 6-heptenyl and the like. Groups having up to 5 carbon atoms are generally preferred.

The term “fluoroalkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain groups having a terminal fluorine, i.e. fluoromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 3-fluoropropyl, 4-fluorobutyl, 5-fluoropentyl, 6-fluorohexyl and 7-fluoroheptyl. However, other positions of the fluorine are not excluded.

The term “oxaalkyl” or “alkoxyalkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain radicals of the formula C_(n)H_(2n+1)—O—(CH₂)_(m), in which n and m each, independently of one another, denote 1 to 10. Preferably, n is 1 and m is 1 to 6.

Compounds containing a vinyl end group and compounds containing a methyl end group have low rotational viscosity.

In the present application, both high-frequency technology and hyper-frequency technology denote applications having frequencies in the range from 1 MHz to 1 THz, preferably from 1 GHz to 500 GHz, more preferably 2 GHz to 300 GHz, particularly preferably from about 5 GHz to 150 GHz.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention may comprise besides the dichroic dyes further additives, such as chiral dopants in the usual concentrations. The total concentration of these further constituents is in the range from 0% to 10%, preferably 0.1% to 6%, based on the mixture as a whole. The concentrations of the individual compounds used are each preferably in the range from 0.1% to 3%. The concentration of these and similar additives is not taken into consideration when quoting the values and concentration ranges of the liquid-crystal components and liquid-crystal compounds of the liquid-crystal media in this application.

Preferably the media according to the present invention comprise one or more chiral compounds as chiral dopants in order to adjust their cholesteric pitch. Their total concentration in the media according to the instant invention is preferably in the range 0.1% to 15%, more preferably from 1% to 10% and most preferably from 2% to 6%.

Optionally the media according to the present invention may comprise further liquid crystal compounds in order to adjust the physical properties. Such compounds are known to the expert. Their concentration in the media according to the instant invention is preferably 0% to 30%, more preferably 0.1% to 20% and most preferably 1% to 15%.

The response times are given as rise time (τ_(on)) for the time for the change of the relative tuning, respectively of the relative contrast for the electooptical response, from 0% to 90% (t₉₀−t₀), i.e. including the delay time (t₁₀−t₀), as decay time (τ_(off)) for the time for the change of the relative tuning, respectively of the relative contrast for the electro-optical response, from 100% back to 10% (t₁₀₀−t₁₀) and as the total response time (τ_(total))=τ_(on)+τ_(off)), respectively.

The liquid-crystal media according to the invention consist of a plurality of compounds, preferably 3 to 30, more preferably 4 to 20 and very preferably 4 to 16 compounds. These compounds are mixed in a conventional manner. In general, the desired amount of the compound used in the smaller amount is dissolved in the compound used in the larger amount. If the temperature is above the clearing point of the compound used in the higher concentration, it is particularly easy to observe completion of the dissolution process. It is, however, also possible to prepare the media in other conventional ways, for example using so-called pre-mixes, which can be, for example, homologous or eutectic mixtures of compounds, or using so-called “multibottle” systems, the constituents of which are themselves ready-to-use mixtures.

All temperatures, such as, for example, the melting point T(C,N) or T(C,S), the transition from the smectic (S) to the nematic (N) phase T(S,N) and the clearing point T(N,I) of the liquid crystals, are quoted in degrees Celsius. All temperature differences are quoted in differential degrees.

In the present invention and especially in the following examples, the structures of the mesogenic compounds are indicated by means of abbreviations, also referred to as acronyms. In these acronyms, the chemical formulae are abbreviated as follows using Tables A to C below. All groups C_(n)H_(2n+1), C_(m)H_(2m+1) and C_(l)H_(2l+1) or C_(n)H_(2n−1), C_(m)H_(2m−1) and C_(l)H_(2l−1) denote straight-chain alkyl or alkenyl, preferably 1-E-alkenyl, respectively, in each case having n, m or I C atoms. Table A lists the codes used for the ring elements of the core structures of the compounds, while Table B shows the linking groups. Table C gives the meanings of the codes for the left-hand or right-hand end groups. Table D shows illustrative structures of compounds with their respective abbreviations.

TABLE A Ring elements C

D

DI

A

AI

P

G

GI

U

UI

Y

M

MI

N

NI

Np

N3f

N3fI

tH

tHI

tH2f

tH2fI

dH

K

KI

L

LI

F

FI

TABLE B Linking groups E —CH₂CH₂— Z —CO—O— V —CH═CH— ZI —O—CO— X —CF═CH— O —CH₂—O— XI —CH═CF— OI —O—CH₂— B —CF═CF— Q —CF₂—O— T —C≡C— QI —O—CF₂— W —CF₂CF₂—

TABLE C End groups Left-hand side Right-hand side Used alone -n- C_(n)H_(2n+1)— -n —C_(n)H_(2n+1) -nO- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—O— -nO —O—C_(n)H_(2n+1) -V- CH₂═CH— -V —CH═CH₂ -nV- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH— -nV —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ -Vn- CH₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1)— -Vn —CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1) -nVm- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH—C_(m)H_(2m)— -nVm —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH—C_(m)H_(2m+1) -N- N≡C— -N —C≡N -S- S═C═N— -S —N═C═S -F- F— -F —F -CL- Cl— -CL —Cl -M- CFH₂— -M —CFH₂ -D- CF₂H— -D —CF₂H -T- CF₃— -T —CF₃ -MO- CFH₂O— -OM —OCFH₂ -DO- CF₂HO— -OD —OCF₂H -TO- CF₃O— -OT —OCF₃ -OXF- CF₂═CH—O— -OXF —O—CH═CF₂ -A- H—C≡C— -A —C≡C—H -nA- C_(n)H_(2n+1)—C≡C— -An —C≡C—C_(n)H_(2n+1) -NA- N≡C—C≡C— -AN —C≡C—C≡N Used in combination with others -...A...- —C≡C— -...A... —C≡C— -...V...- CH═CH— -...V... —CH═CH— -...Z...- —CO—O— -...Z... —CO—O— -...ZI...- —O—CO— -...ZI... —O—CO— -...K...- —CO— -...K... —CO— -...W...- —CF═CF— -...W... —CF═CF—

in which n and m each denote integers, and the three dots “ . . . ” are placeholders for other abbreviations from this table.

The following table shows illustrative structures together with their respective abbreviations. These are shown in order to illustrate the meaning of the rules for the abbreviations. They furthermore represent compounds which are preferably used.

TABLE D Illustrative structures The illustrative structures are compounds having three 6-membered rings which are particularly preferably employed:

The illustrative structures are compounds having four 6-membered rings which are particularly preferably employed:

Illustrative structures of dielectrically neutral compounds which are preferably employed:

Illustrative structures of further compounds which are preferably employed:

The following table, Table E, shows illustrative compounds which can be used as stabiliser in the mesogenic media in accordance with the present invention. The total concentration of these and similar compounds in the media is preferably 5% or less.

TABLE E

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mesogenic media comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds from Table E.

The following table, Table F, shows illustrative compounds which can preferably be used as chiral dopants in the mesogenic media in accordance with the present invention.

TABLE F

C 15

CB 15

CM 21

CM 44

CM 45

CM 47

CC

CN

R/S-811

R/S-1011

R/S-2011

R/S-3011

R/S-4011

R/S-5011

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mesogenic media comprise one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds from Table F.

The following table, Table G, shows illustrative compounds, which can be and preferably are used as dichroic dyes in the mesogenic media in accordance with the present invention.

TABLE G

AZO-1

AZO-2

AZO-3

AZO-4

DAZO-1

THIO-1

The mesogenic media in accordance with the present application preferably comprise two or more, preferably four or more, compounds selected from the group consisting of the compounds from the above tables.

The liquid-crystal media in accordance with the present invention preferably comprise

-   -   seven or more, preferably eight or more, compounds, preferably         compounds having three or more, preferably four or more,         different formulae, selected from the group of the compounds         from Table D.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate the present invention without limiting it in any way.

However, it is clear to the person skilled in the art from the physical properties what properties can be achieved and in what ranges they can be modified. In particular, the combination of the various properties which can preferably be achieved is thus well defined for the person skilled in the art.

Examples 1.1 to 1.10 and Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 1

A liquid-crystal mixture C-1 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared and characterized with respect to its general physical properties and its applicability in microwave components at 19 GHz.

Composition Physical Properties Compound Conc./ No. Abbreviation mass-% T(N, I) = 172.7° C. 1 PPTUI-3-2 20.0 Δn(20° C., 589.3 nm) = 0.335 2 PPTUI-3-4 36.0 Δε(20° C., 1 kHz) = 4.6 3 GGP-3-CL 10.0 γ₁ (20° C.) = 746 mPa · s 4 GGP-5-CL 20.0 tan δ_(εr,⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz) = 0.0138 5 CPGP-5-2 7.0 tan δ_(εr,||) (20° C., 19 GHz) = 0.0034 6 CPGP-5-3 7.0 τ (20° C., 19 GHz) = 0.243 Σ 100.0 η (20° C., 19 GHz) = 17.6

This mixture is suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the micro wave (MW) region. In comparison to the Examples 1.1 and 1.2 this mixture clearly exhibits inferior response times.

Examples 1.1 to and 1.4

The mixture C-1 is divided into four parts. To each one of these four parts a certain concentration of the dichroic dye AZO-1, as shown in table G above, is added.

To one each of these four parts alternatively 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5% and 6.0%, respectively, of AZO-1 are added.

TABLE 1 Compositions of the mixtures investigated Material C-1 AZO-1 Example Mixture Composition Number Concentration/mass-% C-1 100.0 0.0 M-1.1 98.5 1.5 M-1.2 97.0 3.0 M-1.3 95.5 4.5 M-1.4 94.0 6.0

The four resultant mixtures are called M-1.1 to M-1.4. These four mixtures each are filled into test cells with antiparallel rubbed glass substrates covered by PI A13046. The test cells have a cell gap of 50 μm. The mixtures are investigated with respect to their general physical properties and to their performance in the microwave regime.

TABLE 2 Physical Properties (at 20° C.) of the mixtures investigated Mixture C-1 M-1.1 M-1.2 M-1.3 M-1.4 Property Value T(N, I)/° C. 173 t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. Δn(20° C., 589.3 nm) 0.335 t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. Δε(20° C., 1 kHz) 4.6 t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. γ₁ (20° C.)/mPa · s 746 t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. V₀/V t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. Remarks: t.b.d.: to be determined V₀ in 50 μm test cell, described above.

TABLE 3 Microwave characteristics and response times (at 20° C.) of the mixtures investigated Mixture C-1 M-1.1 M-1.2 M-1.3 M-1.4 Property Value ε_(r⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz) 2.409 2.432 2.423 2.406 2.427 ε_(r||) (20° C., 19 GHz) 3.184 3.239 3.222 3.233 3.266 tan δ_(εr,⊥) 0.0138 0.0139 0.139 0.139 0.140 (20° C., 19 GHz) tan δ_(εr,||) 0.0034 0.0033 0.0035 0.0036 0.0036 (20° C., 19 GHz) τ (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.243 0.249 0.248 0.256 0.257 η (20° C., 19 GHz) 17.6 18.0 17.8 18.5 18.3

These four mixtures, M-1.1 to M-1.4 are very well suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the micro wave (MW) region. Additionally in comparison to the comparative example these mixtures of the Examples 1.1 to 1.4 clearly exhibit superior, i.e. significantly higher values of the tunability, while the loss (“tan δ_(ε,r⊥)”) is only very slightly increased. The beneficial effect increases with increasing concentration of the dichroic dye. A relatively small concentration of the dichroic dye of only 4.5% does already lead to an increase of the tunability by approximately 15%. Consequently also the figure of merit (η) is significantly improved.

Examples 1.5 and 1.6

The mixture C-1 used in examples 1.1 to 1.4 is prepared again and now divided into two parts. To each one of these two parts a certain concentration again of a dichroic dye, however now of the dichroic dye DAZO-1 (Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), as shown in table G above, is added.

To one each of these two parts alternatively 3% and 6.0%, respectively, of AZO-2 are added.

The two resultant mixtures, M-1.5 and M-1.6, are investigated with respect to their performance in microwave applications.

TABLE 4 Compositions of the mixtures investigated Material C-1 DAZO-1 Example Mixture Composition Number Concentration/mass-% C-1 100.00 0.00 M-1.5 97.0 3.0 M-1.6 94.0 6.0

TABLE 5 Physical Properties (at 20° C.) of the mixtures investigated Mixture C-1 M-1.5 M-1.6 Property Value T(N, I)/° C. 173 t.b.d. t.b.d. Δn(20° C., 589.3 nm) 0.335 t.b.d. t.b.d. Δε(20° C., 1 kHz) 4.6 t.b.d. t.b.d. γ₁ (20° C.)/mPa · s 746 t.b.d. t.b.d. V₀/V t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. Remarks: t.b.d.: to be determined V₀ in 50 μm test cell, described above.

TABLE 6 Microwave characteristics and dielectric losses (at 20° C.) of the mixtures investigated Mixture C-1 M-1.5 M-1.6 Property Value ε_(r⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz) 2.409 2.427 2.426 ε_(r||) (20° C., 19 GHz) 3.184 3.208 3.223 tan δ_(εr,⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.0138 0.0137 0.0136 tan δ_(εr,||) (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.0034 0.0032 0.0032 τ (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.243 0.244 0.247 η (20° C., 19 GHz) 17.6 17.7 18.2

Remarkably, like in examples 1.1 to 1.4 also here, the tunability of the materials and, hence, their figure of merit (η), is increased by with increasing concentration of the dichroic dye while the dielectric loss is kept almost constant.

Examples 1.7 and 1.8

The mixture C-1 is prepared once again and again divided into two parts. To each one of these two parts a certain concentration now of the dichroic dye THIO-1 (also Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), as shown in table G above, having a positive value of the HTP and high value at the same time, is added. To one each of these two parts alternatively 3.0% and 6.0%, respectively of THIO-1 are added.

TABLE 7 Compositions of the mixtures investigated Material C-1 THIO-1 Example Mixture Composition Number Concentration/mass-% C-1 100.00 0.00 M-1.7 97.0 3.0 M-1.8 94.0 6.0

The two resultant mixtures, called M-1.7 and M-1.8, are investigated with respect to their performance in microwave applications.

TABLE 8 Physical Properties (at 20° C.) of the mixtures investigated Mixture C-1 M-1.7 M-1.8 Property Value T(N, I)/° C. 173 t.b.d. t.b.d. Δn(20° C., 589.3 nm) 0.335 t.b.d. t.b.d. Δε(20° C., 1 kHz) 4.6 t.b.d. t.b.d. γ₁ (20° C.)/mPa · s 746 t.b.d. t.b.d. V₀/V t.b.d. t.b.d. t.b.d. Remarks: t.b.d.: to be determined V₀ in 50 μm test cell, described above.

TABLE 9 Microwave characteristics and dielectric losses (at 20° C.) of the mixtures investigated Mixture C-1 M-1.7 M-1.8 Property Value ε_(r⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz) 2.409 2.415 t.b.d. ε_(r||) (20° C., 19 GHz) 3.184 3.197 t.b.d. tan δ_(εr,⊥) (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.0138 0.0134 t.b.d. tan δ_(εr,||) (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.0034 0.0032 t.b.d. τ (20° C., 19 GHz) 0.243 0.2445 t.b.d. η (20° C., 19 GHz) 17.6 18.3 t.b.d. Remarks: t.b.d.: to be determined.

Strikingly, also here, like in examples 1.1 to 1.6, the tunability of the materials is increased by the introduction of the dichroic dye. Here, however, the dielectric loss is even slightly decreased at the same time.

It has to be noticed here, however, that the molecular mass of the dichroic dye AZO-1 is only about half that of the other two dichroic dyes used, i.e. DAZO-1 and THIO-1. Thus, for a given concentration in weight-% the molar concentration of AZO-1 is almost double that of the other two compounds. In case the observed effect would be related to the molarity of the dichroic dye an effect of double the magnitude could be expected in case AZO-1 is used in comparison to the other two dichroic dyes.

Comparative Example 2

For comparison, the well known compound 4′-pentyl-4-cyanobiphenyl (also called 5CB or K15, Merck KGaA) gives tan δ_(εr⊥)=0.026 and η=4.3 at 20° C.

TABLE 10 Comparison of the properties at 19 GHz and 20° C. Example Liquid crystal Δε_(r⊥) tan δ_(ε) _(r, ⊥) η 1.1 M-1.1 0.81 0.0139 18.0 Comparison 5CB 0.026 4.3

Example 2

A liquid-crystal mixture M-2 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 170.1° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-CL 10.0 n_(e) (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 1.5267 2 GGP-5-CL 20.0 Δn (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 0.2918 3 PPTUI-3-2 20.0 4 PPTUI-3-4 20.0 ε_(||) (20° C., 1 kHz) = 7.8 5 PPTUI-4-4 16.0 Δε (20° C., 1 kHz) = 4.4 6 CPGP-5-2 7.0 7 CPGP-5-3 7.0 γ₁ (20° C.) = 698 mPa · s Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the MW region.

Example 3

A liquid-crystal mixture M-3 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 183.5° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-CL 10.0 2 GGP-5-CL 19.0 Δn (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 0.283 3 PPTUI-3-2 18.0 4 PPTUI-3-4 18.0 ε_(||) (20° C., 1 kHz) = 8.0 5 PPTUI-4-4 10.0 Δε (20° C., 1 kHz) = 3.5 6 PGIGP-3-5 6.00 7 PPGU-3-F 3.00 γ₁ (20° C.) = 753 mPa · s 8 CPGP-5-2 8.0 9 CPGP-5-3 8.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters.

Example 4

A liquid-crystal mixture M-4 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-CL 10.0 2 GGP-5-CL 17.0 3 PPTUI-3-2 13.0 4 PPTUI-3-4 13.0 5 PPTUI-4-4 10.0 6 PPGU-3-F 3.0 7 PPGU-4-F 3.0 8 PPGU-V2-F 3.0 9 PGIGP-3-5 7.0 10 PGIGP-5-5 7.0 11 CPGP-5-2 7.0 12 CPGP-5-3 7.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the MW region.

Example 5

A liquid-crystal mixture M-5 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 134.5° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-F 10.0 n_(e) (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 1.8036 2 GGP-5-F 10.0 Δn (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 0.2774 3 GGP-3-CL 10.0 4 GGP-4-CL 20.0 ε_(||) (20° C., 1 kHz) = 15.2 5 GGP-5-CL 20.0 Δε (20° C., 1 kHz) = 10.2 6 GGP-6-CL 10.0 7 GGPP-5-3 5.0 γ₁ (20° C.) = 758 mPa · s 8 PGGP-3-5 5.0 9 PGGP-3-6 5.0 10  PGGP-5-3 5.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the MW region.

Example 6

A liquid-crystal mixture M-6 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-F 5.0 n_(e) (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 1.7885 2 GGP-3-CL 10.0 Δn (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 0.2640 3 GGP-4-CL 10.0 4 GGP-5-CL 15.0 ε_(||) (20° C., 1 kHz) = 8.8 5 GGP-5-3 20.0 Δε (20° C., 1 kHz) = 4.7 6 PGP-2-5 10.0 7 PGP-3-7 15.0 γ₁ (20° C.) = 660 mPa · s 8 PGP-2-2V 10.0 9 PGGP-3-5 5.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the MW region.

Example 7

A liquid-crystal mixture M-7 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 124.5° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-CL 10.0 n_(e) (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 1.7951 2 GGP-4-CL 20.0 Δn (20° C., 589.3 nm) = 0.2709 3 GGP-5-CL 20.0 4 GGP-6-CL 10.0 ε_(||) (20° C., 1 kHz) = 11.6 5 GGP-5-3 25.0 Δε (20° C., 1 kHz) = 6.8 6 PGGP-3-5 5.0 7 PGGP-3-6 5.0 γ₁ (20° C.) = 895 mPa · s 8 PGGP-5-3 5.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the MW region.

Example 8

A liquid-crystal mixture M-8 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 184.5° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-3-CL 5.0 2 GGP-5-CL 19.0 3 PGU-7-F 2.0 4 PPTUI-3-2 18.0 5 PPTUI-3-4 18.0 6 PPTUI-4-4 10.0 7 PPGU-7-F 2.0 8 PGIGP-3-5 6.0 9 DPGU-3-F 2.0 10 DPGU-3-OT 2.0 11 CPGP-5-2 8.0 12 CPGP-5-3 8.0 Σ 100.0

TABLE 4 Properties of mixture M-8 at 30 GHz T/° C. ε_(r,⊥) ε_(r,||) tan δ_(εr,⊥) tan δ_(εr,||) τ_(εr) η 9.47 2.51 2.92 0.0094 0.0035 0.140 15.0 19.67 2.51 2.92 0.0115 0.0041 0.139 12.1 30.07 2.49 2.94 0.0135 0.0046 0.152 11.2 40.52 2.44 2.96 0.0169 0.0046 0.175 10.3 50.17 2.36 2.96 0.0214 0.0050 0.204 9.48 59.99 2.34 2.94 0.0246 0.0056 0.204 8.24 70.41 2.34 2.93 0.0276 0.0061 0.199 7.22 79.74 2.35 2.91 0.0291 0.0067 0.195 6.69 84.52 2.35 2.91 0.0295 0.0071 0.192 6.51 Note: at 20° C., the following is obtained approximately by intrapolation: Δε_(r⊥) = 2.51, tan δ_(εr,⊥) = 0.0115, τ_(εr) = 0.140 and η = 14.5.

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters or LC based antenna elements in the MW region.

Example 9

A liquid-crystal mixture M-9 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 178° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-5-CL 10.0 2 GGP-6-CL 5.0 3 PGP-3-2V 3.0 4 PGP-2-2V 3.0 5 PPTUI-3-2 15.0 6 PPTUI-3-4 18.0 7 PPTUI-4-4 21.0 8 PPGU-7-F 2.0 9 PPGU-V2-F 2.0 10 PGIGP-3-5 7.0 11 CPTP-3-2 4.0 12 CPGU-3-OT 2.0 13 CPGU-4-OT 2.0 14 DPGU-3-OT 2.0 15 CPGP-5-2 4.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters and for antenna elements.

Example 10

A liquid-crystal mixture M-10 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 159.5° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-5-CL 20.0 ε_(||) (20° C., 1 kHz) = 7.9 2 GGP-5-3 12.0 Δε (20° C., 1 kHz) = 4.3 3 PPTUI-3-2 12.0 4 PPTUI-3-4 16.0 γ₁ (20° C.) = 686 mPa · s 5 PPTUI-4-4 20.0 6 PGUQU-5-F 5.0 7 PGGP-3-5 5.0 8 PGGP-3-6 4.0 9 APGP-3-3 3.0 10  APGP-3-4 3.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters and for antenna elements.

Example 11

A liquid-crystal mixture M-11 having the composition and properties as indicated in the following table is prepared.

Composition Physical properties Compound T(N, I) = 169° C. No. Abbreviation 1 GGP-5-3 10.0 2 PPTUI-3-F 8.0 3 PPTUI-4-F 8.0 4 PPTUI-3-2 12.0 5 PPTUI-3-4 16.0 6 PPTUI-4-4 20.0 7 PPTUI-3-A4 5.0 8 PGUQU-5-F 7.0 9 PGGP-3-5 4.0 10 PGGP-3-6 4.0 11 APGP-3-3 3.0 12 APGP-3-4 3.0 Σ 100.0

This mixture is very highly suitable for applications in the microwave range, in particular for phase shifters and for antenna elements.

The mixtures of examples 2 to 11 are treated and investigated as described under examples 1.1 to 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 and 1.7 and 1.8. The resultant mixtures comprising the chiral compound in the respective concentrations show similarly improved properties. They are especially characterized in particular by improved tunability and figure of merit.

Alternatively to the dichroic dyes used in the examples described above fluorescent dichroic dyes may be used. These allow easy detection of any leakage of modulation medium from the respective microwave components. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A liquid-crystal medium comprising: one or more pleochroic compounds one or more compounds selected from the group of compounds of formulae I, II and III

in which L¹¹ denotes R¹¹ or X¹¹, L¹² denotes R¹² or X¹², R¹¹ and R¹², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 15 C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15 C atoms, X¹¹ and X¹², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN, —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, and

independently of one another, denote

in which L²¹ denotes R²¹ and, in the case where Z²¹ and/or Z²² denote trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, alternatively denotes X²¹, L²² denotes R²² and, in the case where Z²¹ and/or Z²² denote trans-CH═CH— or trans-CF═CF—, alternatively denotes X²², R²¹ and R²², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17, C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15, X²¹ and X²², independently of one another, denote F or Cl, —CN, —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, fluorinated alkenyloxy or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, one of Z²¹ and Z²² denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or —C≡C— and the other, independently thereof, denotes trans-CH═CH—, trans-CF═CF— or a single bond, and

independently of one another, denote

in which L³¹ denotes R³¹ or X³¹, L³² denotes R³² or X³², R³¹ and R³², independently of one another, denote H, unfluorinated alkyl or unfluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 17 C atoms or unfluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 15 C atoms, X³¹ and X³², independently of one another, denote H, F, Cl, —CN, —NCS, —SF₅, fluorinated alkyl or fluorinated alkoxy having 1 to 7 C atoms or fluorinated alkenyl, unfluorinated or fluorinated alkenyloxy or unfluorinated or fluorinated alkoxyalkyl having 2 to 7 C atoms, Z³¹ to Z³³, independently of one another, denote trans-CH═CH—, trans —CF═CF—, —C≡C— or a single bond, and

independently of one another, denote

optionally one or more chiral compounds, and optionally one or more polymerisable compounds of formula P P^(a)—(Sp^(a))_(s1)-(A¹-Z¹)_(n1)-A²-Q-A³-(Z⁴-A⁴)_(n2)-(Sp^(b))_(s2)-P^(b)  P wherein the individual radicals have the following meanings: P^(a), P^(b) each, independently of one another, are a polymerisable group, Sp^(a), Sp^(b) each, independently of one another, denote a spacer group, s1, s2 each, independently of one another, denote 0 or 1, n1, n2 each, independently of one another, denote 0 or 1, Q denotes a single bond, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —(CO)O—, —O(CO)—, —(CH₂)₄—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CF₂—CF₂—, —CF₂—CH₂—, —CH₂—CF₂—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF═CH—, —(CH₂)₃O—, —O(CH₂)₃—, —CH═CF—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₃—, or —CF₂—, Z¹, Z⁴ denote a single bond, —CF₂O—, —OCF₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —(CO)O—, —O(CO)—, —(CH₂)₄—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —CF₂—CF₂—, —CF₂—CH₂—, —CH₂—CF₂—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —CF═CH—, —(CH₂)₃O—, —O(CH₂)₃—, —CH═CF—, —C≡C—, —O—, —CH₂—, —(CH₂)₃—, —CF₂—, where Z¹ and Q or Z⁴ and Q do not simultaneously denote a group selected from —CF₂O— and —OCF₂—, A¹, A², A³, A⁴ each, independently of one another, denote a diradical group selected from the following groups: a) the group consisting of trans-1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene and 1,4′-bicyclohexylene, in which, in addition, one or more non-adjacent CH₂ groups may be replaced by —O— and/or —S— and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, b) the group consisting of 1,4-phenylene and 1,3-phenylene, in which, in addition, one or two CH groups may be replaced by N and in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by L, c) the group consisting of tetrahydropyran-2,5-diyl, 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl, tetrahydrofuran-2,5-diyl, cyclobutane-1,3-diyl, piperidine-1,4-diyl, thiophene-2,5-diyl and selenophene-2,5-diyl, each of which may also be mono- or polysubstituted by L, d) the group consisting of saturated, partially unsaturated or fully unsaturated, and optionally substituted, polycyclic radicals having 5 to 20 cyclic C atoms, one or more of which may, in addition, be replaced by heteroatoms, where, in addition, one or more H atoms in these polycyclic radicals may be replaced by L, and A³, alternatively may be a single bond, L on each occurrence, identically or differently, denotes F, Cl, CN, SCN, SF₅ or straight-chain or branched, in each case optionally fluorinated, alkyl, alkoxy, alkylcarbonyl, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy or alkoxycarbonyloxy having 1 to 12 C atoms.
 2. A liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein the one or more pleochroic compounds is an azo dye or a thiadiazol dye.
 3. A liquid-crystal medium according to claim 2, wherein said one or more optional chiral compounds has an absolute value of the helical twisting power (HTP) of 10 μm or more.
 4. A liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds of the formula I.
 5. A liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds of the formula II.
 6. A liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds of the formula III.
 7. A liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, comprising a polymerizable compound of formula P and a polymerization initiator.
 8. A composite system comprising a liquid crystal medium of claim 1, wherein a polymer is obtained from the polymerisation of one or more compounds of formula P and one or more pleochroic compound and one or more compounds of formulae I to III.
 9. A component for high-frequency technology, comprising a liquid crystal medium according to claim
 1. 10. A component according to claim 9, wherein said component is operable in the microwave frequency range.
 11. A component according to claim 9, wherein said component is a phase shifter or a LC based antenna element operable in the microwave frequency region.
 12. A method comprising including a liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1 in a component for high-frequency technology.
 13. A process for the preparation of a liquid-crystal medium according to claim 1, comprising: mixing one or more polymerisable compounds of formula P with one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formulae I, II and III, and optionally with one or more further compounds and/or with one or more additives.
 14. A microwave antenna array, comprising one or more components according to claim
 9. 15. A component for high-frequency technology, comprising a composite system according to claim
 8. 16. The liquid crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein A¹, A², A³, A⁴ each, independently of one another, denote a diradical group selected from the group consisting of bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1,3-diyl, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diyl, spiro[3.3]heptane-2,6-diyl,

where, in addition, one or more H atoms in these polycyclic radicals may be replaced by L, and/or one or more double bonds may be replaced by single bonds, and/or one or more CH groups may be replaced by N, and R⁰³, R⁰⁴ each, independently of one another, denote H, F or straight-chain or branched alkyl having 1 to 12 C atoms, in which, in addition, one or more H atoms may be replaced by F, M denotes —O—, —S—, —CH₂—, —CHY¹— or —CY¹Y²—, and Y¹ and Y² each, independently of one another, have one of the meanings indicated above for R⁰³ or R⁰⁴, or denote Cl or CN, are, independently of one another, H, F, or CF₃ and one of the groups Y¹ and Y² alternatively denotes —OCF₃.
 17. The liquid crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein Q is —CF₂O—.
 18. The liquid crystal medium according to claim 1, wherein n1, n2 each, independently of one another, denote
 0. 